Intermittent Fasting Boosts Hypoglycemia Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

A new study has found that intermittent fasting increases hypoglycemia among type 2 diabetes patients. This was found true for patients who used hypoglycemic medications. However, fasting was also connected with improvements in HbA1c, weight, and quality of life.

This study followed a trial of 41 adults with type 2 diabetes. The participants all had BMI levels of 30-45 and took either hypoglycemic medications or metformin. Patients were randomly assigned to fast for either two consecutive or non-consecutive days per week for 12 weeks. Over the course of the observation, 53 hypoglycemic events were noted.

These findings highlight the need for cost-effective, safe, and accessible treatments for both obesity and type 2 diabetes worldwide. While low-calorie diets can improve glucose levels and facilitate weight loss, this calorie restriction can increase hypoglycemia risk.

These findings were published in Diabetic Medicine on February 23, 2018.