Work

Marked Increases in Continuous Glucose Monitor-Detected Hypoglycemia During a Seven-Day Water-Only Fast in Healthy Men and Women

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Multiday fasting is practiced globally for various health or religious reasons which can cause marked declines in circulating glucose levels. Yet, the extent of hypoglycemia exposure (ie, blood glucose <70 mg/dL), as measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during a prolonged fast is unclear. We aimed to determine the distribution of interstitial glucose data as measured by CGM, during a seven-day water-only fast in healthy men and women. METHODS: This study used interstitial glucose levels from CGM (Dexcom G4 Platinum) to profile hypoglycemic exposure during a seven-day water-only fast in 12 healthy adults (seven men; age 29.7 ± 6.1 years; body mass index [BMI] 25.0 ± 3.3 kg/m²) that also included physical performance tests (day 6) and an oral glucose tolerance test (day 7). RESULTS: < .001). The performance tests and the oral glucose tolerance test markedly increased glycemia. No symptoms of hypoglycemia were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrated considerable hypoglycemia exposure occurs without symptoms in heathy men and women who undertake multiday fasting.

Source: Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1177/19322968261421956