“Intermittent Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes: Impacts on Glycemic Control and Metabolic Health

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) remains a growing global health challenge, driven by increasing obesity, poor dietary patterns, and sedentary lifestyles. In recent years, intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving glycemic control and metabolic outcomes in T2DM patients. This review explores the mechanisms linking IF to enhanced insulin sensitivity, reduced oxidative stress, circadian regulation, and metabolic flexibility. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated significant improvements in HbA1c, fasting glucose, weight loss, and insulin resistance with various IF regimens such as time restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and the 5:2 protocol. However, the long-term safety and sustainability of IF remain under investigation, especially in populations with comorbidities or those on glucose-lowering medications. The review highlights emerging directions such as personalized fasting protocols guided by genetics, microbiome profiling, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools. Challenges such as adherence, cultural barriers, healthcare provider training, and lack of standardized clinical guidelines are also addressed. Ultimately, IF shows potential as an adjunctive strategy in T2DM management, warranting further research and careful integration into clinical practice.