How Does Intermittent Fasting Impact Diabetes?
By Dr. Amruta Prabhu +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amruta Prabhu
Last updated: Jul 16, 2025 Published on: Jul 16, 2025
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By Dr. Amruta Prabhu +2 more
Table of Contents
Intermittent fasting, also known as intermittent energy restriction, involves limiting food intake to specific time windows or abstaining from eating for set periods. It has gained popularity for its potential benefits, including weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and even the potential to reverse type 2 diabetes1,2.
However, you may wonder, is intermittent fasting good for diabetics? In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of intermittent fasting, such as what it is, how to do it, common myths, and most importantly, whether it truly helps in managing or reversing diabetes.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting2. Unlike other diet plans that focus on what you eat, intermittent fasting is centred around when you eat1,3. The goal is to extend the time your body spends in a fasting state by narrowing your eating window gradually4.
In practice, this means you eat only during a specific block of time (for example, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) and fast for the remaining hours.3 These cycles of eating and fasting can vary in duration, but all aim to reduce the frequency of meals and give the body time to rest and reset between meals. By doing so, you allow the body to shift from burning calories to burning stored fat for energy5.
Intermittent fasting gives your body a break from constant eating and allows it to work more efficiently during periods without food. Let us break things down for you.
Intermittent fasting helps your body shift from using glucose (sugar) for energy to using ketones that are derived from fat. This process is known as metabolic switching. This usually happens several hours after your last meal, when your body runs out of readily available fuel and begins using the fat reserves, leading to fat burning5,6.
By extending the time between meals, fasting encourages this switch and allows for beneficial changes in the body6. Over time, entering a fasted state regularly could positively impact insulin levels, primarily by improving how your body responds to insulin (insulin sensitivity) and potentially reducing insulin requirements3,4,6. This is achieved by lowering fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, which may contribute to better blood sugar control and weight management7. Since many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are linked to insulin resistance and inflammation, intermittent fasting could play a role in their management2.
There are several ways to practice intermittent fasting, each varying in structure and intensity. Choosing the right kind highly depends on your lifestyle, health goals, and the way your body responds. Below are some of the most common kinds of intermittent fasting routines2,8:
This popular method limits eating to a set number of hours each day. For example, the 16/8 method means you fast for 16 hours and eat normally during an 8-hour window (such as from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m). Similarly, the 14/10 method involves a 14-hour fast with a 10-hour eating window (for example, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m).
In this approach, you eat normally for five days of the week and drastically reduce your calorie intake (about 500 to 600 calories) on two non-consecutive days.
This type of intermittent fasting consists of alternating between eating days and fasting days. On eating days, individuals eat as they normally do, and on fasting days, some individuals choose to consume no food at all, while others consume approximately 500 calories.
Important Reminder: Picking a fasting schedule that suits your health needs is important, especially if you have existing medical conditions. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before you start intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting is gaining popularity not only for weight management but also for its potential role in managing and even improving type 2 diabetes3,4. Here are some of the advantages intermittent fasting may offer for individuals with diabetes:
Studies show that intermittent fasting may significantly decrease fasting blood sugar and support better diabetes management9,10.
By giving the body regular breaks from food, intermittent fasting might help cells respond more effectively to insulin, thereby improving insulin sensitivity2.
Intermittent fasting naturally limits the eating window, which can reduce the overall calorie intake. This, combined with fat-burning during fasting periods, may help in weight loss, an important factor in improving blood sugar control and reducing diabetes-related risks1,10,11.
Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body, potentially helping to protect organs and tissues from damage10.
Fasting may help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, all important markers for cardiovascular health, which is often compromised in people with diabetes6.
Intermittent fasting can boost your body’s metabolism by triggering helpful changes at the cellular level. For example, it improves how your body uses fat for energy and regulates hormones that control appetite.2
HbA1c levels reflect the average blood glucose levels (over the past 2 to 3 months), offering a longer-term view of blood sugar control. Several studies suggest that intermittent fasting might help reduce HbA1c levels12.
Note: To answer the question, “Can diabetics do intermittent fasting?” while intermittent fasting may offer potential benefits, it’s essential for individuals with diabetes to consult their doctor before starting it. Fasting can affect blood sugar levels and the effects of their medicines, so medical supervision is important to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
While intermittent fasting for type 2 diabetes may offer several health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Intermittent fasting is not recommended for individuals4,5,13:
Even for otherwise healthy individuals, intermittent fasting may cause some unpleasant side effects, especially in the beginning. They may experience1,14:
Managing intermittent fasting and diabetes can be confusing, as it requires careful planning around meals, medications, and blood sugar levels. Here are some key tips to help you fast safely15,16:
Make sure to have a discussion with your doctor before starting intermittent fasting. They can help determine if fasting fits your medical needs and adjust any medications if necessary.
Stick to a regular eating and fasting schedule on the days you fast.
“Eating normally” during your eating window doesn’t mean loading up on junk food. Relying on high-calorie, processed items could cancel out the benefits of fasting. Therefore, try to add a variety of nutritious foods to your diet.
During fasting periods, avoid or try to limit drinks that may contain calories. Stick to drinks like water or sparkling water and beverages like unsweetened tea and black coffee.
Fasting may often cause a loss of fluids or minerals from the body. You may speak with your doctor and use electrolyte-enhanced water, powders, or tablets (without added sugar or calories) to help avoid fatigue, dizziness, or drops in blood pressure.
Important: Monitoring your glucose levels closely (especially when starting intermittent fasting) is crucial to avoid dangerous drops or spikes and to adjust your diet plan safely.
Intermittent fasting for diabetic patients can be tricky. Some diabetes medications can cause your blood sugar to drop too low, especially if you delay or skip meals, or increase your physical activity17. If you take medication for diabetes, fasting without proper medical supervision could cause low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous. Always speak with your doctor before starting intermittent fasting to determine whether it’s a safe option for you and to adjust your treatment plan if needed. Once you begin fasting, it’s a good idea to work with a dietitian who can help you plan balanced meals during your eating window, ensuring you still meet your nutritional needs.
You should contact your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms while fasting, such as14
These could be signs that your body isn’t responding well to the fasting pattern or that adjustments are needed in your diet plan or medications.
Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a lifestyle approach for improving overall health, with growing evidence suggesting it may offer some benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. From improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity to better weight management and reduced inflammation, the potential advantages of intermittent fasting are noteworthy. However, the safety and effectiveness of intermittent fasting in diabetes can vary greatly depending on individual health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.
For individuals with diabetes, medical supervision is necessary before starting any type of fasting routine. It’s also important to prioritise balanced nutrition and monitor for any side effects. With appropriate medical guidance, intermittent fasting may be useful in managing diabetes; however, a balanced and personalised approach is crucial for a positive outcome.
Since fasting can lower blood sugar levels, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage or timing of your medications to manage low blood sugar1,4. Never change your medication regimen without professional guidance.
While intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat, what and how much you eat are just as important for achieving weight loss and improving health4. Intermittent fasting is most effective when integrated into a balanced, long-term lifestyle rather than being used as a short-term solution.
Focus on balanced, nutrient-dense meals that include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains4. Try to avoid highly processed foods and excessive carbs, which may spike blood sugar levels.
Most of the early studies on intermittent fasting were done on animals. While some human studies show positive effects like weight loss and better blood sugar control, many health claims still lack strong evidence in humans. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits18.
Some research suggests that the benefits of intermittent fasting may be more due to eating fewer calories than the timing itself. However, other studies indicate that limiting eating to certain times of the day can still help with blood sugar and blood pressure, even if calorie intake remains the same19,20.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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