Background
Prediabetes is a condition that often precedes the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Literature evidence indicates that prediabetes is reversible, making it an important therapeutic target for preventing the progression to T2DM. Several studies have investigated intermittent fasting as a possible method to manage or treat prediabetes. Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of a 14:10-hour time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimen on leptin concentration, insulin sensitivity and selected markers associated with the insulin signalling pathway and glucose homeostasis in diet-induced prediabetic rats.
Conclusions
The study showed the potential of IF in alleviating prediabetes-induced dysregulation of glucose homeostasis and therefore warrants further investigations into its use in the management of prediabetes.
Methods
Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were obtained and randomly divided into two dietary groups: group 1 (n = 6) received a standard diet and water, while group 2 (n = 18) was provided a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with 15% fructose for a period of 20 weeks to induce prediabetes. After confirming prediabetes, an intermittent fasting (IF) regimen was assigned to the rats while also having untreated and metformin-treated prediabetic rats serving as controls.
Results
Both IF and HFHC-Met groups yield significantly lower blood glucose, leptin and BMI results compared to the prediabetic group. The IF group yielded significantly lower insulin, HOMA-IR and HbA1C than both controls. Conclusions: The study showed the potential of IF in alleviating prediabetes-induced dysregulation of glucose homeostasis and therefore warrants further investigations into its use in the management of prediabetes.