Real-World Effectiveness of Glucose-Guided Eating Using the Data-Driven Fasting App Among Adults Interested in Weight and Glucose Management: Observational Study

Abstract BackgroundThe Data-Driven Fasting (DDF) app implements glucose-guided eating (GGE), an innovative dietary intervention that encourages individuals to eat when their glucose level, measured via glucometer or continuous glucose monitor, falls below a personalized thresh...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Michelle R Jospe, Martin Kendall, Susan M Schembre, Melyssa Roy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JMIR Publications 2025-05-01
Series:JMIR Formative Research
Online Access:https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e65368
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Summary:Abstract BackgroundThe Data-Driven Fasting (DDF) app implements glucose-guided eating (GGE), an innovative dietary intervention that encourages individuals to eat when their glucose level, measured via glucometer or continuous glucose monitor, falls below a personalized threshold to improve metabolic health. Clinical trials using GGE, facilitated by paper logging of glucose and hunger symptoms, have shown promising results. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe user demographics, app engagement, adherence to glucose monitoring, and the resulting impact on weight and glucose levels. MethodsData from 6197 users who logged at least 2 days of preprandial glucose readings were analyzed over their first 30 days of app use. App engagement and changes in body weight and fasting glucose levels by baseline weight and diabetes status were examined. Users rated their preprandial hunger on a 5-point scale. ResultsParticipants used the app for a median of 19 (IQR 9-28) days, with a median of 7 (IQR 3-13) weight entries and 52 (IQR 25-82) glucose entries. On days when the app was used, it was used a median of 1.8 (IQR 1.4-2.1) times. A significant inverse association was observed between perceived hunger and preprandial glucose concentrations, with hunger decreasing by 0.22 units for every 1 mmol/L increase in glucose (95% CI −0.23 to −0.21; P ConclusionsThe implementation of GGE through the DDF app in a real-world setting led to consistent weight loss across all weight categories and significant improvements in fasting glucose levels for users with prediabetes and diabetes. This study underscores the potential of the GGE to facilitate improved metabolic health.
ISSN:2561-326X