Exploring time-restricted eating as an alternative to calorie counting for managing type 2 diabetes
Official title: Time Restricted Eating As a Viable Alternative to Caloric Restriction for Treating Hyperglycemia in a Population with Type 2 (T2DM) diabetes
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10825524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether eating only during certain hours of the day can help people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight, and who take metformin, to better manage their blood sugar and lose weight, compared to counting calories.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129668-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes who are currently treated with metformin and have a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or obese, or those who are not currently using metformin for their diabetes management, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates whether time-restricted eating (TRE) can effectively improve blood sugar levels and aid weight loss in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes who are only using metformin. Participants will follow a structured eating schedule that limits their daily eating window, allowing them to eat freely within that timeframe. The study will compare the effects of TRE against traditional caloric restriction over a 24-week period, with a focus on understanding how these approaches impact glycemic control and weight management. The study aims to provide a more sustainable dietary option for patients struggling with strict calorie counting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a simpler and more effective dietary strategy for managing type 2 diabetes and improving overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that time-restricted eating can lead to weight loss and improved glycemic measures in individuals without diabetes, but its effects in those with type 2 diabetes are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Lisa Senye — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Chow, Lisa Senye
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.