Any of the different mealtime patterns that change between calorie restriction (or voluntary fasting) and regular eating over a set period of time are considered intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting methods include alternate-day fasting, periodic skipping of meals, and time-restricted meals each day.
A practice of eating called intermittent fasting entails phases of eating little or nothing, interspersed by regular meals. In contrast with numerous additional diets, it typically focuses more on regulating the times that you consume food and beverages than the actual things that you put on your plate.
By limiting calories, intermittent fasting is frequently used to lose weight. There are hazards associated, but it may offer some advantages for women with diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Women
Women with diabetes may have any of the following symptoms:
- increased hunger and thirst
- frequent urination, weight gain, or loss without a clear reason
- fatigue and nausea
- hazy vision
- slow healing wounds
- skin maladies
- spots of dark skin tones at the underarm, groin, and back of the neck are known as acanthosis nigricans.
- irritability
- diminished sensation in the hands or feet when breathing the sugary, fruity, or acetone-like breath
- remember, though, that many people who have type 2 diabetes exhibit absolutely no symptoms at all.
Usually, type 1 diabetes develops in childhood. Typically, type 2 diabetes develops in maturity. Pregnant women with one of these diseases are said to have pregestational diabetes.
It has been investigated whether intermittent fasting can lower the risk of dietary-related disorders like metabolic syndrome. The practice of intermittent fasting may help women reduce weight and create resistance to insulin. It also helps with dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation, according to a 2019 review. In general, intermittent fasting is safe, according to a 2022 assessment. Since the negative effects of fasting for an extended period have not been well investigated, several experts have warned against it as a possible diet trend.
Being physically active and losing weight both reduce your likelihood of obesity-related illnesses like diabetes, sleep apnea, and several types of cancer. Intermittent fasting appears to be roughly as good for these diseases as any other kind of diet that lowers overall calorie intake.
Losing weight can lower the chance of developing diabetic problems, which may be aided by intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting may help women with diabetes in various ways when carried out safely. Women might be able to use less diabetes medication if the dietary regimen results in weight loss.
According to the tiny study on three persons described previously, after intermittently fasting for roughly a month, certain individuals ended up being able to quit needing insulin.
If undergoing intermittent fasting can assist the majority of diabetics in quitting taking insulin, further study is required to confirm this claim.
According to some studies, fasting for an extended period may be superior to other diets for lowering inflammation and treating diseases that are related to inflammation.
In the case of intermittent fasting and type 2 diabetes, individuals who have type 2 diabetes can gain various advantages from fasting:
- accelerated fat loss while maintaining muscle mass
- reduce systemic low-grade inflammation
- increased sensitivity of insulin
- boost your cholesterol
- better your cardiometabolic health
- blood pressure reduction
- oxidative stress is reduced
- diminished appetite
Is it Safe to Practice Intermittent Fasting for Diabetes?
Intermittent fasting poses a few health risks for diabetic women :
- modified menstrual cycle
- an increase in the behavior of eating disorders
- overall decreased nutritional intake
- absence of hunger signals
- increased stress hormones and altered mood
- hypoglycemia risk
Intermittent fasting is safe, however, because blood sugar levels fluctuate before, during, and after fasting periods, people who have diabetes may be susceptible to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Before beginning any weight loss program, consult a medical practitioner, a representative of your diabetic medical team, or a dietician. You can reduce the weight responsibly and sustainably with their assistance.
