Less is more: effectiveness and feasibility of a fasting-mimicking diet programme in persons with type 2 diabetes in primary care

Schoonakker, M.P.; Burg, E.L. van den (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis provides novel insights into the role of intermittent and periodic fasting in, among others, individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a specific focus on the implementation of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) programme within primary care in the Netherlands. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that structured dietary interventions based on intermittent and periodic fasting principles may offer clinically relevant benefits for metabolic health. In particular, the thesis examines the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a five-day, monthly FMD programme when applied in a real-world primary care setting.

• Diabetes Type 2
• Intermittent fasting
• Periodic fasting
• Fasting-mimicking diet
• Lifestyle intervention
• Gut microbiome
• Treatment
• Primary Care

• All authors: Schoonakker, M.P.; Burg, E.L. van den
• Supervisor: Pijl, H.; Numans, M.E.; Lamb, H.J.
• Co-supervisor: Peet, P.G. van
• Committee: Vos, H.M.M.; Kiefte-de Jong, J.C.; Rutten, G.E.H.M.; Muskiet, M.H.A.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2026-02-12
• ISBN (print): 9789465370200
• Sponsorship: SBOH; Health~Holland; Dutch Diabetes Foundation; L-Nutra