Effect of Ethiopian Orthodox fasting practice on appetite hormones and β-cell function of diabetic patients and healthy subjects.

Abstract Background: Dietary pattern such as energy restriction, abstinence from animal products and consumption of vegetarian diet was seen in free living Ethiopian Orthodox followers. However, little is known about its effect on appetite hormones, insulin sensitivities and β-cell function of diabetic patients and healthy subjects. Method A prospective cohort study design was conducted from February 27 to April 30, 2019 among 46 healthy subjects and 52 diabetic patients. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, physical activities and information about fasting regime. Measurements were taken at two time points: at week 0 and week 8. ELISA analyzer were used for measuring hormones activities. The presence of any changes from the baseline was evaluated using the t-test, and the presence of any correlation was evaluated using multiple linear regression. Results: Vegan diet practice and energy restriction significantly lower body weight (p=0.004/0.041) and BMI (p=0.014/0.006), glucagon (p<0.0001, p=0.001), leptin (p=0.002, p=0.046 significantly changed in diabetic and healthy subject respectively. Insulin (p=0.002) increased significantly in diabetic patients while insulin (p=0.003) significantly decreased in healthy subjects. The concentration of ghrelin (p=0.030) increased significantly in diabetic but insignificantly (p=0.135) in healthy subjects compared to non-fasting. Insulin sensitivities and β-cell function significant improved in diabetic patients. Conclusion Simultaneous consumption of vegan diet and energy restriction in Lenten fasting improved body weight, BMI, blood pressure, activities of appetite hormones, insulin sensitivities and β-cell function. As a result, fasting practice is recommended as effective non-medicinal treatment option for prevention/treatment of chronic diseases.