Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (1): 333-351
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202301_30880

Intermittent fasting in type 2 diabetes: from fundamental science to clinical applications

L. Chen, F.-Y. Tian, X.-H. Hu, J.-W. Wu, W.-D. Xu, Q. Huang

First School of Clinical Medicine, Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. 19843012@zcmu.edu.cn


Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a huge challenge for global public health systems. Currently, healthcare policies advocate the prevention of the onset and progression of T2DM by improving individual lifestyles. The increasing benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) as a dietary intervention have been elucidated. However, the beneficial effects of IF in T2DM remain inconclusive. We demonstrated the physiological mechanisms underlying the positive effects of IF in T2DM. IF could trigger metabolic transformation to improve systemic metabolism and induce tissue-specific metabolic adaptations through alterations in the gut microbiota, adipose tissue remodeling, correction of circadian rhythm disturbances, and increased autophagy in peripheral tissues. The efficacy and safety of IF regimens in clinical applications carry a risk of hypoglycemia and require monitoring of blood glucose and timely adjustment of medications. However, there is limited evidence of a positive effect of IF in weight loss and improvement of glycemic variables. Overall, IF serves as a promising therapeutic target for T2DM and needs to be established by a large randomized controlled trial.

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To cite this article

L. Chen, F.-Y. Tian, X.-H. Hu, J.-W. Wu, W.-D. Xu, Q. Huang
Intermittent fasting in type 2 diabetes: from fundamental science to clinical applications

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci
Year: 2023
Vol. 27 - N. 1
Pages: 333-351
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202301_30880