Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an increasingly widespread global health issue with an ever-increasing prevalence and serious consequences. While, there are pharmaceutical interventions, the association of comorbidity induced polypharmacy and side effects necessitates for non-pharmacological intervention. Intermittent Fasting (IF) has emerged as an effective strategy to manage this condition but comprehensive evaluation must be carried out. This review employed a narrative approach, collecting and analyzing data from scientific databases between 2018-2023 to investigate mechanisms related to DM, various IF methods, clinical trials, drawbacks and future directions of study. Intermittent Fasting (IF) has shown promise for improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing obesity and improving metabolic health in those living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Studies indicate positive effects on weight, glycemic control, lipid profiles and weight management. However, there may be potential hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies or adherence issues that hinder long-term sustainability. Therefore, future research must focus on long-term sustainability, tailored approaches and combinational therapies. Intermittent Fasting offers a promising approach for treating T2DM by targeting critical metabolic pathways. While showing potential benefits, its implementation must be tailored specifically for each individual considering patient profiles, medication changes and close monitoring. Future research should examine long-term effects, optimal protocols and combinational approaches. Its inclusion into clinical practice has immense potential to enhance T2DM care and represents an exciting frontier of diabetes care.

Keywords: Intermittent Fasting (IF), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Glycaemic control, Fasting