Taking a blood sample to check blood sugar levels. PA
Taking a blood sample to check blood sugar levels. PA
Taking a blood sample to check blood sugar levels. PA
Taking a blood sample to check blood sugar levels. PA

Fasting could reverse Type 2 diabetes, new study suggests


Daniel Bardsley
  • English
  • Arabic

In a new study carried out by Chinese researchers, almost half of a group of people who fasted intermittently experienced remission of their Type 2 diabetes.

The research found that people who fasted for five days, then ate a normal diet for 10 days, were much more likely to see their condition go into reverse than individuals who did not fast.

The findings may be of particular interest in the UAE because the country has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world.

90 day experiment

The researchers in China looked at 72 people with Type 2 diabetes, half of whom were for a three-month period put on a regime involving five days of eating about 840 calories a day followed by 10 days of normal food intake. The other 36 participants, who formed a control group, ate normally throughout the three months.

During follow-up analysis three months later, diabetes had gone into remission in 17 of the 36 people (47 per cent) who intermittently fasted. Remission meant that the blood sugar level was below a certain threshold.

As well as being more likely to see their diabetes go into remission, this group experienced an average weight loss of 5.93kg.

In contrast, diabetes went into remission for just one of the 36 members of the control group, while their average weight loss was only 0.27kg.

The benefits of the restricted diet appeared to last, because a year after the experiment ended, diabetes was still in remission for 16 of the 36 people who fasted.

Scientists not involved in the Chinese study adopted a cautionary tone by suggesting that the benefits the study found may be the result of cutting calories rather than the fasting itself.

Writing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism this month, the researchers, most based in universities or hospitals in the Chinese city of Changsa, said their study "demonstrated the efficiency" of their method in "achieving diabetes remission for at least one year".

Foods that help to tackle diabetes - in pictures

  • People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.
    People who have diabetes should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and avoid fried and sugary foods.
  • Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National
    Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to manage diabetes because it can lower inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Replacing processed foods with fresh, home-cooked meals brings many health benefits. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto
    Berries are beneficial for people with diabetes because they are packed with antioxidants and fibre. iStockphoto
  • Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.
    Greek salads made with lettuce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories, high in nutrients and help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.
    The good fats in avocados can help you prevent diabetes complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, and help your body to use insulin more effectively.
  • Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National
    Citrus fruits can lower blood sugar levels. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.
    Walnuts can be a good snack for people with type-2 diabetes. They may help to prevent heart disease, control blood sugar levels and aid weight loss.

Characterised by high blood sugar levels, diabetes has become an acute problem in the UAE, partly because poor diet and sedentary lifestyles have caused many people to become overweight or obese, conditions strongly linked to Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is largely the result of genetic rather than lifestyle factors.

Warnings have been made that unless lifestyles improve, the rate of diabetes in the UAE could rise as high as 21.4 per cent by 2030, per global estimates by the World Health Organisation and the International Diabetes Federation.

Globally the prevalence of diabetes has "been steadily increasing over the past few decades", according to the World Health Organisation, and there are now an estimated 422 million people with the condition and about 1.5 million deaths each year are directly linked to it.

How accurate are the study findings?

While the researchers behind the new study suggested their findings indicated an approach that could help put Type 2 diabetes into remission, not all scientists are convinced.

"This study did not compare two diets with the same energy intake, as the intermittent diet was about 75 per cent of energy intake compared to normal intake," Dr Duane Mellor, a senior teaching fellow at Aston University medical school in the UK, told the Science Media Centre this month.

"Therefore, there is no surprise that the intermittent diet group lost weight. As one of the best predictors of achieving remission in Type 2 diabetes is weight loss, it is impossible to say if it is intermittent fasting which is helping to induce remission, as it is most likely to be the result of the weight loss."

He cautioned that people with Type 2 diabetes thinking of changing their diet should consult a medical professional to ensure that risks, such as low blood sugar levels, are minimised.

Prof Keith Frayn, emeritus professor of human metabolism at the University of Oxford in the UK, said that intermittent fasting "may prove useful as it seems the participants found it easy to follow this strategy".

"However, it seems probable that the beneficial effect on diabetes is primarily due to the loss of weight, as has now been shown in several studies, rather than any specific effect of the intermittent fasting protocol," he said.

"A different experimental design would be needed to support any claim that intermittent fasting has beneficial effects beyond loss of body weight."

Also commenting on the study, Victor Zammit, a professor of metabolic biochemistry at the University of Warwick in the UK, said that remission of Type 2 diabetes after very low calorie diets was "well established" and the regime in the new study, which involved spacing out meals, "seems to have similar beneficial effects".

He said research at his university has shown that spacing out meals allows the liver to inhibit liver fat accumulation and secretion, which contribute to symptoms linked to Type 2 diabetes.

Celebrities with Type 2 diabetes - in pictures

  • Larry King. The former CNN anchor has been on medication for diabetes since his diagnosis in the mid-90s. Despite a healthier routine and a lifestyle change after King had a heart attack and underwent bypass surgery in 1987, the news came as a shock. Rose M. Prouser, CNN / AP photo
    Larry King. The former CNN anchor has been on medication for diabetes since his diagnosis in the mid-90s. Despite a healthier routine and a lifestyle change after King had a heart attack and underwent bypass surgery in 1987, the news came as a shock. Rose M. Prouser, CNN / AP photo
  • Patti LaBelle. The songstress learnt she had type 2 diabetes after passing out onstage. To help combat the disease, she learnt to revamp the way she cooks and adapting her style to suit her needs. She also works out with a trainer and takes walks in her neighorhood to help. Matt Sayles / AP photo
    Patti LaBelle. The songstress learnt she had type 2 diabetes after passing out onstage. To help combat the disease, she learnt to revamp the way she cooks and adapting her style to suit her needs. She also works out with a trainer and takes walks in her neighorhood to help. Matt Sayles / AP photo
  • Paula Deen. The celebrity chef known for her often fattening and calorie-filled Southern dishes, confirmed she had type 2 diabetes in 2012 at the age of 64 but was had been diagnosed three years earlier. Carlo Allegri / AP photo
    Paula Deen. The celebrity chef known for her often fattening and calorie-filled Southern dishes, confirmed she had type 2 diabetes in 2012 at the age of 64 but was had been diagnosed three years earlier. Carlo Allegri / AP photo
SPECS
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West Asia rugby, season 2017/18 - Roll of Honour

Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Most%20polluted%20cities%20in%20the%20Middle%20East
%3Cp%3E1.%20Baghdad%2C%20Iraq%3Cbr%3E2.%20Manama%2C%20Bahrain%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dhahran%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E4.%20Kuwait%20City%2C%20Kuwait%3Cbr%3E5.%20Ras%20Al%20Khaimah%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E6.%20Ash%20Shihaniyah%2C%20Qatar%3Cbr%3E7.%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E8.%20Cairo%2C%20Egypt%3Cbr%3E9.%20Riyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E10.%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%202022%20World%20Air%20Quality%20Report%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

TALE OF THE TAPE

Manny Pacquiao
Record: 59-6-2 (38 KOs)
Age: 38
Weight: 146lbs
Height: 166cm
Reach: 170cm

Jeff Horn
Record: 16-0-1 (11 KOs)
Age: 29
Weight: 146.2lbs
Height: 175cm
Reach: 173cm

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETelr%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202014%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E65%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20and%20payments%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enearly%20%2430%20million%20so%20far%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog

First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974  
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion

The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".

The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.

He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.

"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.

As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Andor
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tony%20Gilroy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDiego%20Luna%2C%20Genevieve%20O'Reilly%2C%20Alex%20Ferns%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%205%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Tomb%20Raider%20I%E2%80%93III%20Remastered
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Aspyr%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150 employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

Hydrogen: Market potential

Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.

"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.

Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.

The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.

Six large-scale objects on show
  • Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
  • The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
  • A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
  • A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
  • Torrijos Palace dome
Updated: December 30, 2022, 4:30 AM