Research

Hormonal

The glycemic response (FPG reduction) during the first 3 weeks of caloric restriction is a strong predictor of overall glycemic improvement (FPG and HbA1c) at 20 weeks, independent of total weight loss.

Monitoring fasting blood glucose in the first 3 weeks of a new diet plan can help predict long-term success. If blood sugar levels drop significantly during this early period, it is a strong indicator that the patient will achieve better long-term glycemic control, regardless of the total amount of weight lost.

GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
The best predictor of overall change in FPG and HbA1c was the FPG response during the first 3 weeks of the program.
Katherine V. Williams et al. · Diabetes Care · 1998

Why this rating

Strong correlation (r=0.73) reported in the study, but observational within the RCT.

Source

The Effect of Short Periods of Caloric Restriction on Weight Loss and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Katherine V. Williams et al. · Diabetes Care · 1998

DOI 10.2337/diacare.21.1.2

rct · n=54Cited 195×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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