Feasibility of following a fasting-mimicking diet programme in persons with type 2 diabetes – a mixed-methods study

Abstract Background & Aims A fasting-mimicking programme in primary care demonstrated metabolic benefits for persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study evaluated the feasibility of this approach. Methods Persons with T2D who used metformin or no medication for glycemic control, were randomly assigned to monthly 5-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) cycles plus usual care (n=51) or usual care alone (n=49) for one year. In this mixed method study, feasibility of following an FMD was evaluated by combining quantitative data, including reasons for discontinuation, serum ketone levels, and treatment satisfaction, and qualitative data from focus group discussions. Results In the FMD group, 61% of the participants completed the FMD programme, 31% discontinued the programme due to diet-related issues, and 8% discontinued the programme for other reasons. Ketone levels were consistently higher in the FMD group than in the control group (p