A Scoping Review of the Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Diabetes Regulation and Weight Control.

Introduction: Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged as a popular dietary approach that has gained popularity among individuals concerned with weight and diabetes control. This scoping review evaluated the effects of IF on glycaemic control and weight reduction by analysing various IF protocols. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases were searched (2019-2024) for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. The primary outcomes were the effectiveness of IF on glycaemic control, measured by changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin sensitivity, and HbA1c. The secondary outcomes assessed the impact of IF on weight management. Results: The scoping review identified improvements in FBG levels and insulin sensitivity among individuals practicing IF, with HbA1c reductions observed in multiple studies. Weight loss and favourable changes in body composition have consistently been reported. The ethnic inequalities, particularly for South Asians, were also reported, revealing gaps in geographical evidence and proposing population-specific IF interventions. However, adherence challenges and adverse effects, such as hunger, fatigue, and irritability, were noted, highlighting the need for personalised IF protocols. Variability in outcomes due to individual factors such as age, gender, and baseline metabolic health was evident. Conclusion: IF is a promising strategy for glycaemic control and sustainable weight management in patients with diabetes mellitus. Despite its benefits, individualisation and medical supervision are crucial for addressing compliance issues and minimizing risks. The ethnic and cultural factors must be considered in ongoing clinical care and future IF research.