Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Insulin Sensitivity: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: The development of "type 2 diabetes mellitus" and other "metabolic processes illnesses" is significantly influenced by "insulin intolerance." As a dietary approach to enhance "digestion health," "sporadic fasting," which includes "time-restricted consumption," "alternate-day fasting," and "5:2 diet patterns," has grown in preference. Information about its effect on glucose tolerance is still conflicting, though.

Methods: Up to May 2025, a thorough literature search was conducted in "PubMed," "Embase," "CRUCIAL," as well as "Scopus." The requirements for participation were satisfied by 16 RCTs with 1,671 people. Two reviewers each carried out the "data retrieval" as well as "the likelihood of bias" assessments. Insulin empathy, as determined by HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, or hypoglycemia clamp methods, was the main result. Using "RevMan 5.4," a "random-effects model" was used to do the "meta-analysis."

 Results:With a pooled mean disparity in HOMA-IR of -0.72 (95% CI: -1.03 to -0.41; p < 0.001), IF significantly enhanced the susceptibility to insulin. Subgroup studies showed that 24-hourly rate eating and early TRF led to larger benefits. These advantages were mostly unrelated to weight loss. The results were robust, as evidenced by sensitivity evaluations, and some variability was noted (I2 = 52%). Conclusion: It seems that intermittent fasting, especially full-day fasting alongside early time-restricted eating, can improve insulin sensitivity in a variety of groups. To identify the best practices along with supporting processes, more extensive longitudinal research are required.