Question of actual impact on IF for insulin control

M49, 170Lb. 6'1" 14/10, 16/8 Just started IF last Monday (11/7) after doing some research on the benefits. Been doing either 16/8 or 14/10 every day. No problems, and I dont have craving issues with food. I exercise regularly. I stop eating at 6pm then eat breakfast at 10am or later usually. Have cut out complex carbs, was already eating fairly clean. I'm also pre-diabetic with high cholesterol and triglycerides which appear to be mostly hereditary since diet alone isn't having much impact. I am not on meds, nor do I wish to be. Trying IF in conjunction with healthy eating to see if that is the piece I was missing.My question is for anyone doing IF not for major weight loss but to reduce blood sugar (insulin resistance) or lower cholesterol. Have you seen noticeable results?

Answer

I started IF 16:8 about a month before a doctor appt. I had been doing personal training and hitting the gym for months, but lost no weight, just gained muscle. But with IF I dropped about 8 pounds prior to that appointment.

My a1c levels went from a 7.6 to a 6.9. Cholesterol and triglycerides all good, from previously not great. Fatty liver enzymes down. Doctor was pleased.

A1c is a 3 month history, so one month of IF doesn’t tell the whole story. I know that training made me feel healthier, but IF has allowed me to drop weight at the same time and feel even better. Based on my blood test results I have to conclude IF has helped.

Answer

One of my main interests in IF is related to diabetes/insulin resistance (I’m a “healthy” weight). Both parents (including my relatively thin father) have diabetes and blood pressure issues, so I’m genetically prone.

I only have anecdotal experience, not blood work, but no signs of diabetes or high BP for me at almost 50 (3 years of IF).

I really think my combined vegetarian diet and IF have kept me metabolic disease free.