Regulation of glucose homeostasis by calorie restriction and periodic fasting

Abstract

Increased blood glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity are highlights of metabolic syndrome and type two diabetes. Glucose homeostasis is also frequently disrupted in cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration. Disruption of glucose homeostasis is also associated with age and aging significantly increases the risk of above diseases. Interventions that improve glucose metabolism might be beneficial for treatment of various pathologies. Diet is one of the most common ways to affect glucose homeostasis, and various dietary inter-ventions have grown in popularity as complementary strategies to prevent and manage diseases associated with metabolic disorders. For roughly a century, caloric restriction, a reduced intake of calories without malnutrition, has been reported to induce multiple health and longevity benefits across taxa [1]. Reduced blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity in CR mammals is well documented.