Background:

The link between diabetes mellitus and cognitive impairment becomes evident, making it important to find means to maintain cognitive performance in diabetic patients. Keeping normal cognitive functions is crucial for maintaining an active, independent lifestyle. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating regimen in which a period of eating alternates with fasting period each day. During fasting, diet may include low amount or non-caloric food. IF could promote neurogenesis and cognition.

Design: The study included 24 adult male albino rats weighing 120-190 gm. Rats assigned into three groups 8 rats each: control group (C) had free access to chow and water; Diabetic group (DM) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced with high fat diet for two weeks then intraperitoneal injection with 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin; Intermittent fasting group (IF) after T2DM induction, rats were subjected to 3 months of 18 hours/day fasting. At the end of the experiment, memory and mood were assessed using modified T Maze test and modified forced swimming test respectively. Then rats were sacrificed and hippocampal samples were collected for superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay.

Results: Three month IF caused a significant increase in spontaneous alternation in modified T Maze test results; IF group (P<0.001) versus DM group. A significant decrease in immobility time (seconds) in IF group versus DM rats (P<0.001). IF group had significantly lower MDA levels than DM group (P<0.001).

Conclusion: IF has improved memory and mood in T2DM rats. This may be attributed partially to oxidative stress alleviation.