Intermittent fasting is touted as a way to lose weight and to reduce the risk of many medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and cancer. Is it a healthy option for someone who has diabetes? Can you engage in intermittent fasting to lose weight or to reduce your risk of diabetes complications?

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting involves a pattern of eating where you engage in periods of fasting and then periods of eating. You fast for a certain number of hours each day or you eat only one meal a couple of days a week.

The premise behind intermittent fasting is that the process burns the sugar stores in the body and starts burning fat. The burning of fat results in weight reduction, according to the intermittent fasting beliefs.

Will intermittent fasting help me to lose weight?

Intermittent fasting may seem like a great way to lose weight. Yet, as someone who has diabetes, you have to consider whether it is the right approach for you. Some studies have shown some benefits of intermittent fasting with diabetes.

Some researchers point out that the primary proponents of intermittent fasting for diabetes today come from “health gurus.” Consider that some studies were performed on animals, and not on people who have diabetes.

Remember to talk to your doctor about any diet changes. It is still important that you follow the recommended diet by your health care team.