Most people eat smaller and more regular meals everyday to try and combat type 2 diabetes. However, according to a recent study, eating only two meals a day is a better way to treat this disease.
Scientists from Prague conducted a research where they fed two groups that consisted 27 people each. They ate the same calorie diet, but one group ate only breakfast and dinner, while the other group ate six meals in one day.
The group who ate two meals a day ate their meals from 6am to 10am or 12noon to 4pm.
The researchers found out that those who ate just two meals lost more weight compared to people who ate six. The blood sugar of those who ate only two meals also dropped.
This study further supports existing evidence that fewer but larger meals are better solutions for type 2 diabetes.
When the body can’t produce enough hormone insulin that manages the amount of sugar that flows in the blood, type 2 diabetes occurs. When there is no hormone insulin that controls the sugar, blood sugar levels tend to get too high. If this disease is not properly treated it can cause stroke, heart disease, light-sensitive eyes, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
According to the American Diabetes Association 2013 data, there are 26 million adults and children with diabetes in the US. There is an average of 1.9 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes every year.
The Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lead scientist Dr. Hana Kahleova was very impressed by the results of the study. She said this research could also be used by people who want to lose weight. They can use this method even if they do not have diabetes.
There is still a need for study on the effects of using this diet plan for the long term. Experts still advise that people with type 2 diabetes should eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, be active, and take medications.
