Energy balance
Intensive caloric restriction (330 kcal/day) rapidly and significantly lowers fasting plasma glucose in obese NIDDM patients, with maximal glycemic improvement occurring within 10 days, largely independent of the total amount of weight lost.
For obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, rapidly lowering carbohydrate and total caloric intake can normalize blood sugar levels much faster than weight loss itself. This suggests that the metabolic benefit comes from reducing the liver's glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, not just from losing fat mass. Medical supervision is required for such extreme restriction.
the majority (87%) of the reduction in mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels (297 ± 13 to 158 ± 10 mg/dl; P < 0.001) occurred after 10 days of VLC diet therapy... The FPG response measured after 10 days of VLC diet was unrelated to the degree of obesity, rate or extent of weight loss, or prevailing insulin levels
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial design with a relatively large sample size (n=30) and rigorous metabolic measurements (HGO, insulin), though limited by short duration and specific population.
Source
Glycemic Effects of Intensive Caloric Restriction and Isocaloric Refeeding in Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus*
Robert R. Henry et al. · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 1985
DOI 10.1210/jcem-61-5-917
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- Isocaloric refeeding after a Very Low Caloric Diet maintains significantly lower fasting plasma glucose levels compared to pre-diet baselines, even after discontinuation of antidiabetic medications, although glucose levels rise from the nadir achieved during the diet.Good
- The rapid improvement in fasting plasma glucose induced by caloric restriction is closely correlated with a reduction in basal hepatic glucose output (HGO), suggesting that restraining HGO is a major mechanism of action.Good
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