People with Type 1 diabetes are often told that fasting is risky — so a new finding is notable: a time-restricted eating schedule improved blood-sugar control without raising the risk of dangerous highs or lows.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago, led by Professor Krista Varady, ran a 6-month randomized trial in 32 adults with Type 1 diabetes and obesity. Participants were split into three groups: time-restricted eating (noon–8 p.m.), a 25% calorie reduction, or a control group. Results appeared in Diabetes Care.
What they found
The time-restricted group had better blood-sugar control than the calorie-cutters, with HbA1c (a 3-month blood-sugar average) falling about 0.5%. Crucially for a Type 1 population, there was no increase in hypoglycemia (dangerous lows), no increase in severe highs, and no elevated risk of diabetic ketoacidosis — the safety concerns that make fasting fraught in this group.
The important caveats
This was a small, preliminary study, and larger multi-site trials are planned before any broad recommendation. Varady was emphatic: “Anyone making changes to their eating habits, especially those with diabetes, must work closely with their endocrinologist or healthcare provider.” People with Type 1 diabetes should not attempt fasting on their own. This summarizes research and is not medical advice.