Water is poured from a glass carafe into a glass

Study on the effect of fasting in type 1 diabetes

Bettina Berger et al.

January 2021

Diabetes

Other fasting

Fasting is usually considered too risky for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is possible that a switch from carbohydrate-based to keto-based energy may be relevant for individuals with T1D. This patient-led research aimed to assess the feasibility, benefits and safety of a seven-day multimodal fasting intervention in individuals with T1D.

The non-randomized controlled pilot study included 20 participants with T1D and 10 without disease. Data were collected before, after and 4 months after the intervention as well as daily during the intervention. 19 people with T1D completed the fast. The study found that β-hydroxybutyrate levels, representative of keto bodies, increased during fasting, while average glucose levels remained in the normal range. The daily insulin dose was significantly reduced during fasting.

Quality of life improved, weight and body mass index decreased, and diastolic blood pressure increased slightly but remained within the healthy range. Temporary fasting-related side effects were reported, with slightly higher prevalence in individuals with T1D compared to the reference group.

Overall, the study demonstrated the feasibility, benefits and safety of a seven-day fast in adults with T1D.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Diabetes
Institution: Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
Title: Study on the effect of fasting in type 1 diabetes
Brief description: The study shows that a seven-day fast for type 1 diabetes is safe, reduces insulin requirements and improves quality of life.
Original title: Seven-day fasting as a multimodal complex intervention for adults with type 1 diabetes: Feasibility, benefit and safety in a controlled pilot study
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33636417/