Evaluating the effect of Therapeutic Nutritional Interventions on Blood Sugar Control in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered one of the most common diseases. The etiology of T2DM is complex and is associated with irreversible risk factors such as age, genetics, race, and ethnicity, and reversible factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of two dietary interventions (intermittent fasting and calorie-deficient diet) on blood sugar control in patients with Type 2 DM. A cross-sectional approach was adopted, where participants diagnosed with T2DM were assessed before and after implementing dietary modifications. Data collection included anthropometric Weight, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c levels, and lipid profile. Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the applied strategies. The findings highlight the importance of early lifestyle modifications, medical nutrition therapy, and continuous monitoring as key elements in improving glycemic control and reducing the risk of complications in patients with T2DM. Results: Both dietary regimens (Intermittent fasting and calorie-deficient diet) demonstrated a significant reduction in FBS, RBS, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HbA1c, and body weight after 3 months. Intermittent fasting significantly reduced HbA1C and body weight more than calorie deficit diet. Most variables showed high statistical significance (P<0.0001), confirming the effectiveness of both regimens in improving metabolic outcomes. Although both approaches contribute to improving blood sugar control. However, intermittent fasting showed greater effectiveness in the short term for reducing HbA1c levels, while caloric restriction was more sustainable in the long term for maintaining weight and blood sugar control. Also, both regimens showed significant reductions in serum triglyceride levels and total cholesterol, reflecting a protective role of nutritional interventions in promoting cardiovascular health.