Comparison of the Effect of Intermittent Fasting with Mediterranean Diet on Glycemic, Lipid, and Anthropometric Indices in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Shakila Dehghani; Parisa Karimi; Narges Naimi Tarei; Mohammad Masoumvand; Mohammad Amin Nazari Manesh; Elmira Ramezani; Vahid Reza Askari

doi:10.2174/0115734021351456250326051146

Comparison of the Effect of Intermittent Fasting with Mediterranean Diet on Glycemic, Lipid, and Anthropometric Indices in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Curr Hypertens Rev. 2025 Apr 11. doi: 10.2174/0115734021351456250326051146. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Shakila Dehghani¹, Parisa Karimi², Narges Naimi Tarei³, Mohammad Masoumvand⁴, Mohammad Amin Nazari Manesh⁵, Elmira Ramezani⁶, Vahid Reza Askari⁷

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Literature, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
² Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
³ Baharloo Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁴ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
⁵ Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
⁶ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁷ Pharmacological Re-search Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

PMID: 40231524
DOI: 10.2174/0115734021351456250326051146

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is becoming more prevalent over time. Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet (MD) and intermittent fasting (IF) can improve the metabolic parameters of patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there has yet to be a study comparing the effectiveness of these two diets in diabetic patients. This review aims to com-pare the impact of the Mediterranean diet and intermittent fasting on glycemic, lipid, and anthro-pometric indices in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We selected clinical trial studies published between 2013 and 2023 that examined the impact of the MD and the IF diet on glycemic, lipid, and anthropometric indices in patients with type 2 diabetes, in the PubMed and Scopus databases on November 23, 2023, and were included in our study following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: A total of 22 clinical trials meeting the inclusion criteria were chosen. Out of these, 13 clinical trials focused on the impact of the Mediterranean diet, while the remaining trials examined the effects of the IF diet on type 2 diabetes. The age range of participants in all studies was above 18 years, with the number of individuals investigated ranging from 9 to 557. The duration of the interventions varied from 1 week to 8 years. The MD and IF have both have been shown to effec-tively improve glycemic control, lipid profiles, and anthropometric measurements in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the MD tends to offer more consistent and sustainable long-term bene-fits. This can be attributed to its rich composition of antioxidants, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. IF has demonstrated potential benefits for improving blood sugar levels and lipid profiles over short periods. However, its effectiveness may be compromised by the risk of hypoglycemia and the inconsistent commitment of patients.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the MD is preferable for long-term, while IF may serve as a complementary short-term strategy. Further research in this area is necessary to provide a definitive opinion.

Keywords: Intermittent fasting; anthropometric indices.; glycemic indices; lipid profile; mediterranean diet; type 2 diabetes.