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| Fasting for Diabetics | There are lots of reasons why people fast. For example, some people like to have a rest for a while from eating after the holidays to give their digestive system a break. Some people fast due to another reason – they want to lose weight. Additionally, many people fast for religious reasons.
Fasts that last for a long period of time are very dangerous. And it doesn’t matter whether you have diabetes or not. If a fast lasts more than a week, you have the risk to break down the muscle of your body to get the amino acids it so desperately needs. As for the long term fasting – it can also damage your heart, liver, and kidneys.
Diabetics should eat carefully planned meals at carefully planned times for controlling their blood sugar. If you eat too much at one meal or skip eating, it can throw your blood sugar levels out of control and cause you many problems. Fasting is very bad for the diabetic because it means going for long periods of time without any food in your stomach. Even taking medication won't help you to completely combat the devastation this plays with your blood sugar.
When person chooses to fast for a short period of time for a healthy reason, it usually isn't harmful, but diabetic goes on a fast, he or she can damage their health. It is very difficult for many people with diabetes to practice their faith, when their faith includes fasting.
Many religions exclude people with health conditions like diabetes from fasting. Some religions have even changed the way a fast is practiced so that diabetics can participate. If you want to fast and your faith allows for you to practice a modified fast, under a physician’s control you can partake in your religious fast.
Possibly Ramadan is the best known fast of any religion that Muslims do. During this holy month all Muslims practice a fast which consists of abstaining from food during daylight hours. Many Muslims that have diabetes, choose to fast during Ramadan and under the supervision of a doctor, it can be safely done.
Ramadan for Diabetics
 When the sun goes down and you are allowed to eat, you should restrict the number of sweet foods that you eat. Do not consume sugary foods that will make your blood sugar skyrocketing. You have already taxed your system by fasting, so don't intensify your blood sugar problems by eating sweet foods.
If possible, have your meal or part of your meal just before sunrise. In such a way you will spread out the time for metabolism. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. Make sure that any drinks you consume are low calorie and sugar free.
If you put some thought into how you plan to break your fast, and if your doctor says that it is ok, you should be able to safely fast during Ramadan.
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