The effect of time restricted eating on weight in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has tripled in the past two decades, becoming a major public health concern. Time-restricted eating (TRE) shows potential in reducing weight in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated the efficacy of TRE for weight management in adults with T2DM. Methods: This 14-month quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted at LLR Hospital, Kanpur and included 50 T2DM patients aged 18-70 years. Exclusion criteria included type 1 diabetes, MODY, insulin therapy, pregnancy-related diabetes, fibro calculus pancreatitis, chronic kidney or liver disease, thyroid disorders, and HbA1c >10%. Participants underwent baseline assessments, including weight, blood sugar levels, HbA1c, kidney and liver function tests, and abdominal ultrasonography. They were instructed to follow a TRE plan, fasting from 10:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with monthly follow-ups for 12 weeks to assess adherence and weight changes. Results: After 12 weeks, participants showed significant weight reduction, with the mean weight decreasing from 67.56 kg to 65.78 kg (p <0.0001). Other metabolic parameters were monitored to ensure the intervention’s safety and efficacy. Conclusion: TRE is an effective and feasible dietary strategy for weight management in T2DM patients. Its implementation could significantly improve weight and potentially enhance overall metabolic health in this population.