ASSESSING THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING FOR GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: A LONG-TERM META-ANALYSIS.

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder linked to insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia. Despite available treatment options, managing glycemic control and preventing cardiovascular complications remain a challenge. Intermittent fasting (IF), which involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, has been proposed as a potential intervention for improving metabolic health in individuals with T2D. This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of IF on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and overall metabolic health in T2D patients. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, accessed via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies examining IF interventions in adults with T2D, measuring outcomes such as HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, weight, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model to compute standardized mean differences (SMDs) and assess heterogeneity. Results A total of 10 RCTs, involving 2,051 participants, were included in the analysis. IF was associated with significant improvements in glycemic control, with HbA1c levels decreasing by an average of 0.9% (p < 0.05) and fasting glucose reduced by 24 mg/dL. Weight loss (3.0–5.0 kg) and improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in LDL cholesterol (10–15 mg/dL) and triglycerides (12–20 mg/dL), were observed. Additionally, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5–7 mmHg and 3–5 mmHg, respectively. The safety profile showed mild hypoglycemia in 7–12% of participants, with few adverse events overall. Adherence rates were high, ranging from 85% to 96%. Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that intermittent fasting provides significant metabolic benefits, improving glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with T2D. The 5:2 and time-restricted eating protocols appeared most effective. While IF is a promising adjunctive treatment, further research on long-term effects and individualized fasting protocols is necessary to optimize outcomes.