Effect of intermittent fasting on diabetic patients-A narrative review.

Managing diabetes requires careful food choices, especially for those with limited access to nutritious options. Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a promising strategy for improving outcomes in both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by stabilizing blood glucose levels and aiding in weight management. This review explores various methods of IF, including the 16/8 method, 5:2 diet, Eat-Stop-Eat, and others, highlighting their potential benefits such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance. Although IF shows promise, particularly in T2DM, it poses risks like hypoglycemia and dehydration, particularly in T1DM. Safe practices include consulting healthcare providers, monitoring glucose and ketone levels, and adjusting medications. This review highlights the need for individualized approaches to IF to optimize diabetes management and mitigate risks.