Fasting with Diabetes: How to Do It Safely

Fasting with Diabetes? Yes, but with awareness!

How to fast safely? Here are some guidelines:

1. One-day fast - generally safe. Eat a light meal at night and plan what to eat in the morning.

2. Continuous fasting (Navratri/Ekadashi) - check your sugar daily. Do not stop medicines on your own. Your doctor will adjust the dose.

3. Using Sulfonylurea or Insulin? There is a risk of low sugar. Your doctor will decide if the dose needs to be reduced.

4. Taking SGLT2 medicines (Dapa/Empa) - these cause water loss from the body. Avoid dehydration risk during fasting.

5. GLP-1 (Semaglutide) - reduces appetite and makes fasting easier. Drink water and avoid indigestion or vomiting.

6. What can you drink? Coconut water, buttermilk, milk, fruit juice (as per fasting rules). Keep quantity controlled, energy-rich and safe.

7. Water is the fuel for fasting! Drink 2.5–3 liters daily. Sip small amounts every 1–2 hours, even if not thirsty.

8. If you experience sweating, dizziness, hunger, or blurred vision, stop fasting. These are signs of low sugar. Take sweet fluids and break your fast without hesitation.

9. Fasting requires discipline and understanding. Have faith but no fear. Keep communication with your doctor, dietitian, and your body.

Fasting is not prohibited but not to be done carelessly.

Information + medicine understanding + diet = safe fasting!

I personally support fasting as a health discipline. When done properly, fasting benefits the body!

Share this information in WhatsApp groups. It will give safety and understanding to someone's faith.

Follow, start, and share your experience!

Dr. Ravindra L Kulkarni MD DNB FSCAI (Cardiology) Just For Hearts