Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease

Abstract

To the Editor: In their review article, de Cabo and Mattson (Dec. 26 issue)¹ suggest potential positive effects of intermittent fasting. We would like to highlight safety concerns regarding intermittent fasting in persons with diabetes mellitus. Furmli et al. reported a considerable reduction in or elimination of the need for oral antihyperglycemic agents and insulin in persons with type 2 diabetes after the onset of fasting.² In a prospective trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes who were participating in a 5:2 intermittent fasting regimen (fasting 2 days each week), the mean medication effect score for oral antihyperglycemic agents and . . .