Page 30 - COH Newsletter

30

Scientific Corner

Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Ms. Christine Choueiri, Adjunct Faculty, Human Nutrition and Dietetics Program

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating regimen that involves limiting food intake to a certain period of time,
followed by a fixed period of fasting and consuming water, coffee, and other non-caloric beverages.
The fasting period can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Research has demonstrated the
benefits of IF relating to weight reduction, brain health, and longevity.

Is intermittent fasting safe for people with diabetes?

Carter et al. performed a clinical trial in which 137 adults with type 2 diabetes were divided into two
groups - one intermittent energy restriction group (500–600 kcal/day for two days per week and normal
diet every other day) and a continuous energy restriction group (1200–1500 kcal/day). After 12 months of
intervention, the two groups showed similar reductions in HbA1C levels and greater reductions in weight
in the intermittent energy restriction group.

A similar clinical trial by Gabel et al. compared an alternate day fasting regimen with continuous energy
restriction. Over the 12 month intervention period, there were similar reductions in body weight, BMI,
and fat mass in both groups, but significant decreases in fasting insulin levels (- 44%; p < 0.05) and HOMA-
IR (- 53%; p < 0.05) - a marker used to measure levels of insulin resistance - in the alternate-day fasting
group compared to the continuous restriction group.

Intermittent fasting is a promising intervention for effective weight loss and glycaemic control and, when
done safely under medical supervision, could provide some benefits to people with diabetes. However,
more research is needed to assess its effect on insulin-dependent diabetes management.

References:
• Gabel K, Kroeger CM, Trepanowski JF, et al. Differential Effects of Alternate-Day Fasting Versus Daily Calorie Restriction on Insulin
Resistance. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019;27(9):1443-1450. doi:10.1002/oby.22564
• Carter S, Clifton PM, Keogh JB. Effect of Intermittent Compared With Continuous Energy Restricted Diet on Glycemic Control in
Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2018 6 July; 1(3): e180756. doi: 10.1001/
jamanetworkopen.2018.0756. PMID: 30646030; PMCID: PMC6324303.

Abu Dhabi University | The College of Health Sciences E-Magazine | Issue 2 2021-2022 Academic Year