Effectiveness of Time-Restricted Eating on Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31004/joecy.v6i1.8943Keywords:
time-restricted eating, type 2 diabetes mellitus, HbA1c, glycemic control, intermittent fastingAbstract
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Achieving optimal glycemic control remains a primary goal in diabetes management. Time-restricted eating (TRE), which limits daily food intake to a defined time window without necessarily restricting calories has emerged as a potential alternative dietary strategy. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness in patients with T2DM remains variable.
Objective:
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of time-restricted eating on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on randomized controlled trials.
Methods:
A systematic literature review without meta-analysis was conducted. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP were searched from 2015 to 2025. Randomized controlled trials involving adults with T2DM undergoing TRE interventions (<12-hour eating window) and reporting glycemic outcomes were included. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, intervention protocols, and glycemic outcomes.
Results:
Ten randomized controlled trials were included. Study duration ranged from 3 weeks to 6 months, with sample sizes between 10 and 120 participants. TRE protocols generally used eating windows of 8–10 hours per day. Medium- and long-term studies reported reductions in HbA1c ranging from 0.3% to 1.54%. Short-term trials consistently demonstrated improvements in fasting glucose and 24-hour glycemic profiles measured by continuous glucose monitoring, including increased time in range and reduced hyperglycemia. Weight reduction ranged from 1.2 kg to 4% of baseline body weight. TRE was generally safe, well tolerated, and associated with high adherence rates.
Conclusion:
Time-restricted eating is associated with improvements in glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and may provide benefits comparable to conventional dietary approaches. Although current evidence is promising, further large-scale and long-term randomized trials are required to establish its role as a standard dietary strategy in T2DM management.
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