Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Blood Insulin Levels and Insulin Sensitivity: A Literature Review, The

Obesity has become a major concern for healthcare professionals and the general public in the United States over the past few decades. Other nations have recently begun to experience an increase in obesity rates as well. Diabetes also affects many Americans to an alarming degree. Though practitioners and organizations have presented various treatments for those experiencing these metabolic diseases, including medications, restriction diets, calorie counting, and exercise, people still become morbidly overweight and develop Type 2 Diabetes. A new diet-based approach, generally termed intermittent fasting, has been proposed as a very viable treatment option for individuals with these conditions. This literature review sought to test the present theory that intermittent fasting reduces insulin resistance by improving insulin sensitivity. Though findings of the reviewed studies were mixed, the general consensus was that intermittent fasting does positively affect insulin by reducing fasting insulin levels and increasing insulin sensitivity. More research is needed to confirm this conclusion, as well as to investigate other aspects of diet and fasting such as gender, time of day to eat, types of foods eaten, and length of fasting periods, just to name a few. Social implications for intermittent fasting as a potential treatment option have also been discussed.