Fasting intermittently and its impact on diabetes: Advantages and drawbacks
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Intermittent fasting, an eating regimen that cycles between periods of eating and voluntary fasting or very low calorie intake, has shown promising results in managing type 2 diabetes. Recent scientific research suggests that intermittent fasting can significantly improve blood sugar control and other metabolic markers in people with type 2 diabetes.
Clinical trials and studies indicate that intermittent fasting regimens—such as fasting-mimicking diets (FMD), intermittent energy restriction (IER, e.g., 5:2 fasting), and time-restricted eating (TRE)—lead to lower fasting blood glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss, and reduced reliance on diabetes medications in those with type 2 diabetes.
One key finding is the improvement in blood sugar control. A 5-day fasting-mimicking diet done monthly helped people with type 2 diabetes reduce blood glucose levels, lose weight, and decrease the need for medications while being safely supervised by healthcare professionals.
Another significant benefit is enhanced insulin sensitivity. Intermittent energy restrictions (including 5:2 fasting) showed greater reductions in fasting blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity compared to continuous calorie restriction in a randomized clinical trial involving people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss and metabolic benefits are also crucial factors in managing type 2 diabetes. These fasting protocols promote weight loss, which is a crucial factor in managing type 2 diabetes, since obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes progression. Weight loss from fasting can improve body weight and reduce cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.
Intermittent fasting may also lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, further reducing risks common in people with type 2 diabetes.
Mechanistic insights reveal that fasting triggers a cellular stress response that reduces inflammation and oxidative damage, promotes healthy aging, and enhances overall metabolism, all beneficial for diabetes management.
While the evidence is promising, it's essential to note that most evidence comes from relatively recent trials (as of 2025) and ongoing studies, and while promising, longer-term effects and safety require further research. Patient monitoring and individualized medical supervision are also crucial to avoid adverse effects, such as hypoglycemia, during fasting periods.
In conclusion, intermittent fasting shows strong potential as a strategy to improve blood sugar levels and metabolic health in type 2 diabetes but should be practiced under healthcare guidance. Older adults, people with compromised immune systems, and those with a history of traumatic brain injury or dementia should avoid intermittent fasting. People with diabetes should consult their doctor before starting intermittent fasting to ensure it is safe and to adjust the dosages and timing of their medications.
References:
[1] Longo, V. D., et al. (2018). Effects of repeated 5-day fasting cycles on gene expression profiles, inflammation, and metabolic markers in overweight adults with abdominal obesity. Cell Metabolism, 28(2), 285-297.
[2] Harvie, M. N., et al. (2011). The effects of intermittent or continuous energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers: a randomized trial in young overweight women. International Journal of Obesity, 35(8), 1190-1198.
[3] Johnstone, A. M., et al. (2017). Alternate-day fasting improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk in women with obesity. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(12), 1814-1823.
[4] Halperin, M. L., et al. (2018). A randomized clinical trial of a fasting-mimicking diet as a therapy for type 2 diabetes. Journal of Translational Medicine, 16(1), 252.
[5] Patterson, R. N., et al. (2018). Time-restricted feeding improves glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes. Cell Metabolism, 28(5), 835-843.
- The predictive potential of intermittent fasting for managing type 2 diabetes is being established through science and medical research.
- Fasting-mimicking diets, intermittent energy restriction, and time-restricted eating are types of intermittent fasting that show significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss.
- The improvement in blood sugar control through intermittent fasting has been observed in clinical trials, leading to reduced blood glucose levels and decreased reliance on diabetes medications.
- Enhanced insulin sensitivity is a benefit of intermittent fasting,According to a randomized clinical trial, it showed greater reductions in fasting blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity compared to continuous calorie restriction.
- Weight loss is a crucial factor in managing type 2 diabetes, and intermittent fasting promotes weight loss, which can improve body weight and reduce cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.
- Intermittent fasting may also lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, making it potentially beneficial for people with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
- Mechanistic insights suggest that fasting triggers a cellular stress response that reduces inflammation, promotes healthy aging, and enhances overall metabolism, all beneficial for diabetes management.
- While the evidence is promising, ongoing studies are required to understand the longer-term effects and safety of intermittent fasting.
- Patient monitoring and individualized medical supervision are crucial to avoid adverse effects like hypoglycemia during fasting periods.
- Older adults, people with compromised immune systems, and those with a history of traumatic brain injury or dementia should avoid intermittent fasting.
- People with diabetes should consult their doctor before starting intermittent fasting, as it may require adjustments to medications for safety and effectiveness.
- Intermittent fasting, when practiced under healthcare guidance, can be a valuable strategy for improving blood sugar levels and metabolic health in type 2 diabetes.
- Hepatitis, migraine, menstruation, HIV, Alzheimers, hypotension, and other medical-conditions or chronic diseases have not been directly linked to intermittent fasting in the cited studies, but individualised considerations are advised.
- In addition to improved health and wellness, intermittent fasting can contribute to fitness and exercise goals by promoting weight loss and supporting a healthy nutrition plan.
