A recent article in Diabetes Forecast outlines the challenges of fasting with diabetes, and offers recommendations and some examples: click here for the full article.
The article notes that fasting doesn't just put you at risk of low blood sugars. Blood sugars can also rise too high during a fast, because the liver can release glucose into the bloodstream.
Most medical professionals do not recommend fasting as part of any weight loss plan or diet. It can put you in unnecessary danger, and may not lead to any lasting weight loss.
Many religious observances such as Ramadan involve fasting from sunrise to sundown, breaking the fast only in the evening. However, most religious leaders seem to agree that safety comes first, and allow for exceptions for anyone with medical reasons for being unable to fast.
If you decide to fast:
- consult with your provider about which medications to take or to stop during your fast
- check your blood sugars more frequently
- keep a source of fast-acting carbohydrates handy, such as juice or glucose tablets, in case of a low
- if your blood sugar drops too low, break the fast
In the article, a teenager with type 1 diabetes offers the advice to follow the spirit of the fast by limiting intake to bland, sick-day type foods such as toast. By avoiding rich or sweet foods, she feels that she is able to participate in the meaning of the experience, without putting herself in danger. I think that sounds like a wonderful compromise.
I'd encourage you to check out the article at http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2014/10-oct/safe-fasting-with-diabetes.html.
If you have any advice or experiences to share, please do so in the comments section below!
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