The safety and efficacy of weight loss via intermittent fasting or standard daily energy restriction in adults with type 1 diabetes and overweight or obesity: A pilot study

Abstract

ObjectiveA pilot study to examine the safety and efficacy of weight loss via intermittent fasting or continuous energy restriction in adults with type 1 diabetes and overweight or obesity. Research design and methodsTen participants with type 1diabetes and overweight or obesity (8 women, 2 men) were randomised to either severe energy restriction (2510 kilojoules per day) on two 24-hour periods per week with 5 days per week of eating to appetite, or continuous moderate energy restriction (30% relative to weight maintenance energy needs) for 12 weeks. Participants were followed to 12 months. ResultsThere were no adverse events during the study, and rates of hypoglycaemia were unchanged. Body weight was reduced from baseline (P < 0.05) by both intermittent fasting (−7.0%, range −5.2% to −8.0%) and continuous energy restriction (−3.9%, range −1.0% to −11.1%). Trunk fat was also reduced by these two interventions (P < 0.05) (−12.2%, range −1.0% to −15.3% and −10.1%, range 2.3% to −10.7%, respectively). Blood pressure and circulating concentrations of HbA1c and lipids remained unchanged from baseline. There were no between group differences in these outcomes. ConclusionThese findings suggest that both intermittent fasting or continuous energy restriction are safe and effective weight loss approaches for people with type 1 diabetes and overweight or obesity.