intermittent fasting and diabetes

Intermittent fasting use for centuries as a spiritual and religious practice, but in recent years it has gained popularity as a health and wellness trend. One of the potential benefits of fasting is its ability to improve blood sugar control, which has led some to suggest that fasting could be a solution for diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body uses glucose, a type of sugar that serves as the primary source of energy for the body. Diabetes may classify into two types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 Diabetes type II, but, is a metabolic illness that happens when the body develops resistance to the effects of insulin or when the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin to fulfill the body’s demands.

Intermittent fasting is a broad term that can refer to a variety of different practices, but in the context of diabetes, it refers to a period of time in which a person abstains from food and/or caloric beverages. There are several different types of fasting, including intermittent fasting, which involves alternating periods of fasting and feeding, and extended fasting, which involves fasting for several days or more.

Intermittent fasting is the most popular form of fasting for diabetes. It involves fasting for 16-24 hours at a time and then eating during a designated feeding window. For example, a person might fast for 16 hours and then eat during an 8-hour window. This type of fasting can do on a daily basis, or it can do several times a week.

Extended fasting, but, involves fasting for several days or more. This type of fasting is more intense and should only do under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

So, can fasting be a diabetic treatment? Let us now examine the research.

Intermittent Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes

Several studies have been conducted to check the effects of intermittent fasting on blood sugar management in type 2 diabetics. A comprehensive review and meta-analysis of ten randomized controlled studies published in 2017 discovered that intermittent fasting resulted in large decreases in HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar management) and fasting blood glucose levels in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Another study published in the journal Cell Metabolism in 2018 discovered that three months of alternate-day fasting improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management in persons with type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity is a measure of how well the body responds to insulin and is often impaired in people with type 2 diabetes.

One potential mechanism by which intermittent fasting may improve blood sugar control is by reducing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin and is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting may assist improve blood sugar management in persons with type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance.

Extended Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes

While there is less research on the effects of extended fasting on blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, some studies suggest that it may be beneficial. One small pilot study published in the journal Cell Metabolism in 2015 found that three cycles of a five-day fasting-mimicking diet led to significant Improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management in type 2 diabetic patients. The fasting-mimicking diet involved a calorie-restricted diet that provided 50% of normal caloric intake on days 1-5, followed by a return to normal eating for the rest of the month.

Another study published in the journal Nutrients in 2020 found that a 14-day water-only fast led to significant improvements in blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to note that extended fasting can be risky for people with diabetes, particularly if they are taking insulin or other diabetes medications. Fasting can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, which can be dangerous. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional if you are considering an extended fast.

Intermittent Fasting and Type 1 Diabetes

There is less research on the effects of fasting on blood sugar control in people with type 1 diabetes, as this form of diabetes is not associated with insulin resistance. But, some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may still be beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes.

A 2017 case report published in the journal BMJ Case Reports described a woman with type 1 diabetes who was able to achieve better blood sugar control and reduce her insulin doses by adopting a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and practicing intermittent fasting.

Another small pilot study published in the journal Nutrients in 2019 found that a 24-hour fast led to significant reductions in insulin requirements and blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.

Again, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional if you have type 1 diabetes and are considering fasting.

Potential Benefits of Fasting for Diabetes

Also to its effects on blood sugar control, fasting may have other potential benefits for people with diabetes. For example, fasting shows to improve markers of cardiovascular health, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular disease is a common complication of diabetes, so anything that can improve cardiovascular health is a potential benefit for people with diabetes.

Fasting shows to reduce inflammation, which is another common complication of diabetes. Chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, so reducing inflammation through fasting may be beneficial.

Finally, fasting may also have benefits for weight management, which is another important factor in the management of diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and losing weight through fasting may help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Potential Risks 

While fasting may have potential benefits for people with diabetes, it’s important to consider the potential risks as well. Fasting can be risky for people with diabetes, particularly if they are taking insulin or other diabetes medications. Fasting can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, which can be dangerous.

It’s important to work with a healthcare professional if you are considering fasting, particularly if you have diabetes. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if fasting is appropriate for you, and can provide guidance on how to fast while managing your blood sugar levels.

Fasting might also be difficult for certain people. It may lead to feelings of hunger, irritability, and fatigue, which can make it difficult to stick with the practice long-term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fasting may be a solution for diabetes, particularly for people with type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting shows to improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, while extended fasting may also have potential benefits.

But, fasting can be risky for people with diabetes, particularly if they are taking insulin or other diabetes medications. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional if you are considering fasting and to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with the practice.