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Fasting for Brain and Heart Health (FBHH)

Completed
Conditions
Insulin Resistance
Interventions
Other: Water-only Fasting
Registration Number
NCT04507516
Lead Sponsor
TrueNorth Health Foundation
Brief Summary

This pilot study is designed to investigate the effect of water-only fasting and refeeding on the homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), a measure of insulin resistance.

Detailed Description

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and a major public health burden. Data suggests that insulin resistance is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including ischemic stroke, and that dietary and lifestyle intervention can reduce insulin resistance as well as these disease risks. Nonetheless, current intervention strategies have done little to reduce overall stroke incidence. Therefore, an intervention, such as prolonged medically supervised water-only fasting, might be an effective strategy to both reduce insulin resistance and encourage dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce incidence of stroke.

This pilot study is designed to investigate the effect of water-only fasting and refeeding on the homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), a measure of insulin resistance. Additionally, the study will assess if markers of cardiovascular health and inflammation change before and after water-only fasting. Water-only fasting participants will be recruited from patients who voluntarily elect to water-only fast for 10 or more consecutive days. Clinical variables and blood will be collected at baseline, every 7th day during fasting and refeeding, and the final day of fasting and refeeding.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
48
Inclusion Criteria
  • Any gender
  • 40-70 years old
  • Fasting plasma glucose <12 6mg/dL and/or hemoglobin A1c <7%
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) >25 kg/m2
  • Elect and qualify for a water-only fast of at least 10 consecutive days
  • Provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Active malignancy
  • Active inflammatory disorder including classic autoimmune connective tissue (Lupus, Sjogrens, ANCA), multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disorders (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's)
  • Stroke or heart attack within the last 90 days

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Water-only Fasting CohortWater-only FastingObese/overweight, non-diabetic patients undergoing elective water-only fasting treatment.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in insulin resistance from baselineBaseline, up to 10 to 40 days after baseline, up to 5 to 20 days after end of fast

Insulin resistance assessed using serum glucose and insulin to calculate homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) \[fasting insulin (microU/L) x fasting glucose (nmol/L)/22.5\]

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in weight from baselineBaseline, up to 10 to 40 days after baseline, up to 5 to 20 days after end of fast

Weight measured on a digital scale and reported in kilograms (kg)

Changes in lipid profile from baselineBaseline, up to 10 to 40 days after baseline, up to 5 to 20 days after end of fast

Lipid profile assessed using serum to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and reported in mg/dL

Changes in high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) from baselineBaseline, up to 10 to 40 days after baseline, up to 5 to 20 days after end of fast

hsCRP assessed using serum and reported in mg/L

Changes in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from baselineBaseline, up to 10 to 40 days after baseline, up to 5 to 20 days after end of fast

SBP and DBP measured using digital blood pressure device and reported in mmHg

Changes in abdominal circumference from baselineBaseline, up to 10 to 40 days after baseline, up to 5 to 20 days after end of fast

Abdominal circumference measured on bare skin at the minimal waistline with a tension-sensitive, non-elastic tape and reported in centimeters (cm)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

TrueNorth Health Center

🇺🇸

Santa Rosa, California, United States

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