From the Guidelines
Intermittent fasting, particularly the 16:8 method, is recommended for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation, as supported by recent studies 1. When considering intermittent fasting, it's essential to choose a method that is sustainable and accessible. The 16:8 method, which involves restricting eating to an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours, is a popular and effective option. This approach can help with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, better heart health, and potentially enhanced brain function.
Some key points to consider when practicing intermittent fasting include:
- Starting gradually and staying hydrated
- Ensuring nutritious food choices during eating windows
- Consulting healthcare providers before starting, especially for individuals with diabetes, pregnancy, history of eating disorders, or other medical conditions
- Noting that individual results may vary based on overall diet quality and lifestyle factors
Recent studies, such as those published in 2023 1 and 2025 1, have highlighted the potential benefits of intermittent fasting, including its efficacy in weight loss and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, a 2022 study 1 found that Christian Orthodox Church fasting, which involves periods of restricted intake, was associated with beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome risk factors, including reduced energy intake, improved dietary quality, and increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Overall, intermittent fasting, particularly the 16:8 method, is a recommended approach for those looking to improve their health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases, as long as it is practiced safely and under the guidance of a healthcare provider if necessary.
From the Research
Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
- Intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to have beneficial effects on diabetes patients, including reducing body weight, decreasing fasting glucose, decreasing fasting insulin, reducing insulin resistance, and increasing levels of adiponectin 2.
- Some studies have found that patients with type 2 diabetes were able to reverse their need for insulin therapy during therapeutic intermittent fasting protocols with supervision by their physician 2.
- IF has been found to be effective at reducing body weight, decreasing fasting glucose, and reducing insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3.
Types of Intermittent Fasting
- There are various types of intermittent fasting regimens, including alternate-day fasting, 5:2 diet, and 16:8 method, but the most effective and safe regimen for diabetes patients is not yet clear 4, 5.
- A 12-week intermittent fasting regimen has been shown to be effective in improving glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and reducing insulin dose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin therapy 6.
- A pilot study found that short-term daily IF may be a safe and tolerable dietary intervention in type 2 diabetes patients, improving key outcomes including body weight, fasting glucose, and postprandial variability 3.
Safety and Efficacy
- Intermittent fasting can be safely undertaken in patients with diabetes when done under the supervision of a healthcare provider and with appropriate personal glucose monitoring 5.
- The safety of each relevant pharmaceutical treatment during a fasting period should be considered, and patients with diabetes should consult their physician prior to beginning an intermittent fasting regimen 5, 2.
- More research is needed to delineate the effects of intermittent fasting from weight loss and to determine the long-term clinical outcomes of IF in patients with diabetes 4, 2.