Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- 79
- Strong
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 100
- consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 3 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerResearch Summary
Analyzed using Evidence Intelligence™
Time-restricted feeding improves blood glucose and weight in type 2 diabetes
Last updated July 17, 2026
Key finding
Haemoglobin A1c decreased by 1.54% ± 0.19.
This study evaluated the effects of time-restricted feeding on glycaemic regulation and weight changes in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in various health markers.
Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the effects of time-restricted feeding on glycaemic regulation and weight changes in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in various health markers.
Clinical relevance
These findings are clinically significant as they suggest that time-restricted feeding could be a viable dietary intervention for overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes. Improved glycaemic control and weight loss can lead to better management of diabetes and potentially reduce the risk of complications associated with the disease.
Keep in mind
Limited sample size may affect generalizability. Short duration of the study may not capture long-term effects. Potential confounding factors not fully controlled.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Tingting C, Cheng Y, Dingyuan T, Xin Z, Xuejun L, Zhongming W. Effects of time-restricted feeding on glycaemic regulation and weight changes in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2021;18:88. doi:10.1186/s12986-021-00613-9
Main Effects
Haemoglobin A1c decreased by 1.54% (p=0.001)
Body weight decreased by 2.98 kg (p=0.001)
Fasting plasma glucose decreased by 1.47 mmol/L (p=0.001)
Evidence network
How this study fits
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and Body weight, Change in social functioning domain of health-related quality of life, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), and 8 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)
Primary outcomes
- Body weight
- Change in social functioning domain of health-related quality of life
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
11
Evidence pairs
11
Relationships
3
Evidence topics
contributes_evidence
Editorial context
Why this study matters
See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.
Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
Moderate contributionModerate confidenceNetwork score: 68
3
Related topics
11
Evidence pairs
700
Related studies
High relevance in at least one topic
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 11 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 3 direct semantic evidence topics
Topic contributions
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
Glycemic Control
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
HbA1c Reduction
Save evidence
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Change in social functioning domain of health-related quality of life
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Change in social functioning domain of health-related quality of life
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Change in social functioning domain of health-related quality of life
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerFasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Supporting studies: Based on 2 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerEvidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Strong
- Score 79 · Based on 3 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 67
- Slightly Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 67
- generally_consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 3 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerHDL cholesterol
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → HDL cholesterol
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → HDL cholesterol
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 50
- Neutral
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerHomeostatic Model Assessment of Beta-cell function (HOMA-β)
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Homeostatic Model Assessment of Beta-cell function (HOMA-β)
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Homeostatic Model Assessment of Beta-cell function (HOMA-β)
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerInsulin resistance
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Insulin resistance
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Insulin resistance
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Supporting studies: Based on 2 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerLDL cholesterol
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → LDL cholesterol
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → LDL cholesterol
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerMedication Effect Score Improvement
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Medication Effect Score Improvement
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Medication Effect Score Improvement
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerTotal cholesterol
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Total cholesterol
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Total cholesterol
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerTriglycerides
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Triglycerides
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Triglycerides
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerEvidence Library
Build your evidence library
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Evidence Suggest
- Haemoglobin A1c decreased significantly by 1.54%.
- Body weight reduction of 2.98 kg was observed.
- Fasting plasma glucose levels decreased by 1.47 mmol/L.
Who this applies to
- Overweight adults aged 30-65 with type 2 diabetes.
- Individuals seeking dietary interventions for diabetes management.
Keep in Mind
- Results may not apply to non-overweight individuals.
- Long-term effects of time-restricted feeding are still unknown.
- Further research is needed to confirm findings across diverse populations.
Between the Lines
- Limited sample size may affect generalizability.
- Short duration of the study may not capture long-term effects.
- Potential confounding factors not fully controlled.
Evidence Library
Build your evidence library
Save research, organize studies, and quickly find important evidence again.
Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and HbA1c, Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and Body Weight.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ExplorerThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → HbA1c
Diet and Nutrition
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Strong
- Score 79 · Based on 3 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 67
- Slightly Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 67
- generally_consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 3 studies
View evidenceDiet and Nutrition
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Body Weight
Diet and Nutrition
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- 79
- Strong
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 100
- consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 3 studies
View evidenceDiet and Nutrition
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) → Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
Diet and Nutrition
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 50
- Neutral
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
View evidenceIncluded in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
Body Weight Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Body Weight
3 studies
outcome_hubMeasures Body Weight as a key outcome.
HbA1c Evidence Hub
All studies measuring HbA1c
3 studies
outcome_hubMeasures HbA1c as a key outcome.
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) Evidence Hub
All studies on Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)
3 studies
intervention_hubContributes to Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) evidence base.
Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
1 studies
outcome_hubMeasures Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers as a key outcome.
Explore more in Evidence Explorer
Jump to pre-filtered views in Evidence Explorer.
All studies on Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and HbA1c
Intervention: Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)Outcome: HbA1c
3 results
All studies on Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and Body weight
Intervention: Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)Outcome: Body weight
3 results
All studies on Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)
Intervention: Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)
3 results
All studies measuring HbA1c
Outcome: HbA1c
3 results
All studies measuring Body weight
Outcome: Body weight
3 results
Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) improve HbA1c?
Strong Evidence
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Generally Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) affect body weight?
Strong Evidence
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) appears to improve Body weight.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Body weight
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 78.7 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) improve fasting plasma glucose (fpg)?
Moderate Evidence
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) may improve Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG).
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Evidence caveat: The available evidence reports mixed findings.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) improve insulin resistance?
Moderate Evidence
Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) may improve Insulin resistance.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Evidence caveat: The available evidence reports mixed findings.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Insulin resistance
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Next steps
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Evidence topics
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