A Guide To Fasting Safely When You Have Diabetes

Fasting is one of the most common spiritual practices in India. However, fasting may lead to many health problems in diabetes patients. Therefore, it is essential to know who can fast with diabetes and how. 

The Mechanism Of Fasting

Your body usually enters the fasting state after 8 hours of taking the last meal. It starts using the stored glucose for energy after 8 hours and then moves on to break the body fat as the next source of energy in the later phase of fasting. Therefore, in the long run, fasting can also lead to weight loss. However, it should never be used as a tool to lose weight.

Who Can Fast In Diabetes?

All diabetes patients can normally fast. It is a personal choice to fast or not fast. However, it is recommended that anyone who puts their health at serious risk by fasting should not fast, such as people who take insulin or suffer from diabetes complications like eye disorders, kidney diseases or nerve damage. 

Children, sick people, elders and pregnant women with diabetes are also not advised to practise fasting.

Are There Any Risks Of Fasting With Diabetes? 

If you treat your diabetes with insulin, fasting may increase the risk of hypoglycemia or dangerously low blood sugar levels in the body. It can also elevate the risk of diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe health complication that may require hospitalisation. Fasting may also cause dehydration if you do not consume sufficient fluids. 

There are many risks of fasting with diabetes. However, it is a personal and spiritual choice. If you want to fast but are worried about the risks, consult with your doctor or healthcare team. They will help you manage your diabetes better while fasting. 

What To Eat Or Not Eat While Fasting In Diabetes?

Eating a balanced diet is important while fasting, especially if you have diabetes. 

• Try to eat foods with a low glycemic index before you begin to fast. These are slow absorbing food and will help provide energy to the body for a long time.
• Include fruits, vegetables and salad in your fasting diet. It will help regulate blood sugar levels effectively. 
• After breaking the fast, do not eat excessive quantities of sugary and fatty foods, like sweets, samosas and puris. They can cause unnecessary weight gain. 
• While cooking, frying or baking foods for fasting, use as little oil as possible.
• Do not forget to keep your body hydrated with plenty of sugar-free and decaffeinated drinks like water, sugar-free squashes, etc. If you want to add sweetness to your drinks, use a natural sweetener instead of sugar. 

More Tips To Manage Diabetes While Fasting

• Test your blood glucose levels often as you are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia in fasting. 
• If you experience any symptom of hypo, such as disorientation, excess sweat, etc., break your fast immediately and treat your hypo with glucose tablets or sugary drinks. Also, eat a carbohydrate-rich snack after your blood glucose levels have returned to normal.
• If you have type 1 diabetes, fasting can also increase the risk of hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia may lead to the buildup of ketones in the body and eventually cause ketoacidosis, a condition characterised by excessive thirst, urine and tiredness. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare team immediately for medical help. 
• Before fasting, consult your doctor to understand what to do with your diabetes medication. Your doctor may change the time, type or dose of medication to regulate your blood glucose levels during fasting. 

On A Final Note

Fasting is possible in diabetes if your health allows you to. However, you must have your doctor and healthcare team on board. 

It is also important to eat a balanced diet and avoid anything that can increase the risk of hypo in fasting. 

References

• https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/fasting
• https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/fasting-safely-with-diabetes
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes-fasting/faq-20455907
• https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/28/9/2305/24199/Recommendations-for-Management-of-Diabetes-During