Post his recent arrest in liquor policy scam, diabetic Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has lost nearly 4.5 Kgs of weight as per the party’s claim. Aam Aadmi party also claimed that his blood sugar levels have dropped nearly nine times. As per Atishi’s claims, Kejriwal’s sugar levels did not fluctuate even while he was fasting. But should people with diabetes fast? 

To understand this, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Sangeeta Tiwari, Clinical Nutritionist, Artemis Lite, New Delhi.

Should Diabetics Fast?

To this, Dr Tiwari said, “Fasting can prove People with diabetes are advised not to fast because it can significantly affect their blood sugar levels which can cause complications like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). 

Adding further, she said, “To manage blood sugar levels, regular meals and medication adjustments are required which can be disrupted by fasting. It’s important for individuals with diabetes to consult with their doctor before fasting to ensure it can be done safely.” 

Fasting can have several adverse effects on diabetic patients. Skipping meals can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, especially if the diabetic medications or insulin are not adjusted accordingly. 

Dr Tiwari said, “Prolonged fasting can cause the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes who may have insulin resistance. Furthermore, not consuming fluids or adequate hydration during fasting can lead to dehydration, which can aggravate diabetic complications and affect kidney function.” 

Fasting can cause electrolyte disbalance causing problems like dizziness, weakness and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, fasting can also cause weight fluctuations which can worsen diabetes management. 

Also read: Ramadan 2024: Expert Shares Do’s and Don’ts of Ramadan Fasting For People With Diabetes

Tips For Healthy Fasting

If an individual with diabetes desires to fast, they should consider the types of fasting that minimise the risk of blood sugar fluctuations. 

Suggesting Dr Tiwari said, “A diabetic can carry out intermittent fasting that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Time-restricted feeding is another option that involves restricting food intake to certain hours of the day.” 

People can also choose to modify their fasts by consuming small amounts of low-carbohydrate foods or liquids during fasting periods to help in maintaining sugar levels. Here are some more tips suggested by Dr Tiwari for diabetic individuals. 

• Consulting healthcare professional, like a registered dietician or endocrinologist to assess your individual health status. 
• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly during fasting to track how your body responds to the changes
• If you take insulin or any other oral medications to manage diabetes, consult your doctor to adjust your medication doses and timing to accommodate fasting periods. 
• Lastly, keep yourself hydrated and eat nutrient dense foods.

Conclusion

Fasting is generally not advisable to people with diabetes as it can adversely affect their blood sugar levels which can lead to further complications. If a person with diabetes wants to fast, he or she should consult their doctor first and then with respective precautions should opt for fasting.