Efficacy and Safety of Intermittent Fasting in People With Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes (INTERFAST-2)-A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety and feasibility of 3 nonconsecutive days of intermittent fasting (IF) per week over 12 weeks in participants with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Forty-six people were randomized to an IF or control group. Dietary counseling and continuous glucose monitoring was provided. Coprimary end points were the change in HbA(1c) from baseline to 12 weeks and a composite end point (weight reduction >= 2%, insulin dose reduction >= 10%, and HbA(1c) reduction >= 3 mmol/mol). RESULTS The IF group showed a significant HbA(1c) reduction (-7.3 12.0 mmol/mol) compared with the control group (0.1 +/- 6.1 mmol/mol) over 12 weeks (P = 0.012). The coprimary end point was achieved by 8 people in the IF and none in the control group (P < 0.001). No severe hypoglycemia occurred. CONCLUSIONS IF is a safe and feasible dietary option to ameliorate glycemic control while reducing total daily insulin dose and body weight in insulin-treated people with type 2 diabetes.

Automated summary

The study investigated the safety and feasibility of 3 nonconsecutive days of intermittent fasting per week in insulin-treated individuals with type 2 diabetes. The results showed that the intermittent fasting group achieved a significant reduction in HbA(1c) and body weight over 12 weeks, with no severe hypoglycemia.