As Navratri is around the corner, many of us want to keep a fast as a way of paying our respect to the deities. Fasting is a common practice all throughout the Indian subcontinent. But it also raises the question of whether or not you can practice fasting being a diabetic. Let us find out!
Fasting During Navratri | Types Of Fasts That A Diabetic Person Can Practice
A diabetic person can practice the following types of fasts-
Intermittent Fasting
This is the most popular form of fasting. In this, you skip food for a set number of hours and then you can start eating again. Intermittent fasting can be of two types-
Time-Restricted Eating
In this type of fasting, you eat all the prescribed number of calories during particular hours of the day. For example, if you have an eight-hour plan, you might eat your carbohydrates between 10 AM to 6 PM and then again you can eat carbohydrates the next day at 10 AM.
Alternate Day Fasting
This type of fasting works on the principle that you eat regular food on a particular day and eat less than 600 calories the next day. You repeat this pattern throughout the week. You can also follow the 5:2 pattern where you eat regularly for 5 days a week and then you eat between 500-800 calories in the next two days.
Intermittent fasting is generally opted for by people who are overweight or middle-aged. We still don’t know if it is apt for young people or people who have healthy body weights. Before taking up any kind of fasting method, you should always speak to your doctor or health coach.
Benefits Of Fasting For Diabetics During Navratri
Fasting can be beneficial for diabetics because of the following reasons-
-Reduces your HbA1c level
As fasting promotes weight loss, it can also help in lowering your A1c level and lowering your risk of heart disease. But, fasting is not a recommended method for weight loss.
-Reduces your insulin dose
As per a study, people with Type 1 Diabetes were able to reduce their insulin dose by including fasting in their routine.
-Other Benefits
Apart from weight loss, fasting has other benefits for a diabetic person. It can help you in lowering your cholesterol levels, improves the way your body manages glucose and also cuts down your inflammation.
Risks Of Fasting For Diabetics
When you fast, it essentially means that you remain hungry for a long period of time. It may cause irritability and headache. Your body might not be able to get the required amount of nutrients it needs to sustain itself.
Fasting can also lead to a condition known as Hypoglycemia or prolonged low sugar levels. If you take insulin, your sugar levels can drop to a dangerously low level. The long-term effects of hypoglycemia include drowsiness and even coma.
When you break your fast, you have to make sure that you do not overeat. Otherwise, it will lead to a condition called Hyperglycemia or prolonged high sugar levels. You shouldn’t indulge in a high amount of carbohydrates while breaking your fast.
Read More- How To Celebrate A Diabetes-Friendly Dussehra
Take These Precautions Before You Try Fasting
If you wish to fast being a diabetic, you should take the following measures-
- Stay hydrated
- Watch out for the signs of Hypoglycemia
- Be careful about what you eat after fasting
If you have any questions about fasting, you should always talk to your doctor or health coach. They can give you the recommended diet and let you know whether or not you can fast during Navratri.
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Author: Sakshi Poptani
