08/17/2026
Intermittent fasting has become incredibly popular, and for many people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, it may offer metabolic benefits when done appropriately and under medical supervision.
But one of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that these recommendations apply to everyone with diabetes.
They don’t.
Type 1 diabetes is fundamentally different from type 2 diabetes.
People living with type 1 diabetes require insulin because their pancreas no longer produces it. During fasting, insulin requirements may need to be carefully adjusted, but insulin should never be changed without guidance from the clinician managing your diabetes.
Without appropriate planning, fasting can increase the risk of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or other life-threatening emergencies.
If you have type 1 diabetes and are considering fasting:
• Speak with your endocrinologist or physician first.
• Have a personalized plan for insulin adjustments and glucose monitoring.
• Wear a continuous glucose monitor (if available).
• Keep fast-acting glucose readily accessible.
• Ensure you have an up-to-date glucagon rescue pen (such as Gvoke®, Baqsimi®, or Zegalogue® if prescribed) and make sure your family, friends, or coworkers know when and how to use it in the event of severe hypoglycemia.
Healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Just because something is beneficial for one person doesn’t mean it’s safe for another.
Evidence-based medicine means personalizing recommendations to the individual, not following every health trend.
Thank you to and for creating meaningful conversations around health.
Luxury Lifestyle Medicine®
The Art of Living Well.
