Intermittent Fasting for Type 1 Diabetes
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The majority of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have either overweight or obesity. As such, dietary management has been recommended as an adjunct to insulin treatment to improve glycemic control and facilitate weight loss in patients with T1DM. Daily calorie restriction (CR) is the main diet prescribed to patients with T1DM for weight loss. However, many patients find it difficult to adhere to CR because calorie intake must be vigilantly monitored every day. In light of these problems with CR, another approach that limits timing of food intake, instead of number of calories consumed, has been developed. This diet is called "time restricted eating" (TRE) and involves confining the period of food intake to 6-8 h per day. TRE allows individuals to self-select foods and eat ad libitum during a large part of the day, which greatly increases compliance to these protocols. The simplicity of TRE, its accommodation of dietary preferences, and associated weight loss may translate to improved glycemic measures in patients with T1DM. The present study will be the first randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of TRE versus CR for weight management and improved glycemic control in adults with obesity and T1DM.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves dietary changes and you must be on insulin, it's likely you'll continue your current insulin regimen. It's best to discuss with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Intermittent Fasting for Type 1 Diabetes?
Is intermittent fasting safe for people with type 1 diabetes?
Research on intermittent fasting in people with type 1 diabetes is limited, but a study on a 24-hour fast at home found it to be feasible and safe. Other studies on time-restricted eating in different groups, like those with obesity or at risk of type 2 diabetes, suggest it is generally safe, with mild side effects like fatigue, constipation, and headache.23678
How does intermittent fasting differ from other treatments for type 1 diabetes?
Intermittent fasting is unique because it involves eating only during specific hours and fasting for the rest of the day, which is different from traditional treatments that focus on continuous calorie restriction. This approach may improve glucose metabolism by incorporating meal timing with prolonged fasting, offering a novel way to manage blood sugar levels.245910
Research Team
Krista Varady, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Illinois Chicago
Eligibility Criteria
Adults aged 18-75 with Type 1 Diabetes, a BMI of 25-50, and HbA1c levels between 6.5-9.5% are eligible for this trial if they're on insulin treatment and have been weight stable for the past three months. It's not suitable for those with eating disorders, pregnant women, night shift workers, or individuals with certain severe medical conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are assigned to either time restricted eating (TRE) or daily calorie restriction (CR) for weight management and glycemic control
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Daily calorie restriction
- Time restricted eating
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Illinois at Chicago
Lead Sponsor