Nutrition & DietIntermittent Fasting Should Be in Diabetes Guidelines, Top Researchers Argue
Researchers from Harvard, University of Minnesota, and University of Illinois-Chicago argue that intermittent fasting has accumulated enough clinical evidence to be formally included in diabetes treatment guidelines. Reviewing over 225 trials — including nearly 40 in patients with diabetes or prediabetes — they found that approaches like time-restricted eating and the 5:2 diet reduce HbA1c by 0.3–1.2%, lower fasting glucose, and support weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes. Crucially, intermittent fasting appears as effective as calorie restriction and does not increase hypoglycemia risk when medications are adjusted appropriately. Evidence for prediabetes is promising, while data remain insufficient for type 1 and gestational diabetes. The authors call on the American Diabetes Association and International Diabetes Federation to update their standards of care.
