Things to consider before you fast

If you want to have a go at intermittent fasting, here are a few things to consider first.

1 If you have diabetes and are taking medication or insulin, it’s important to speak to your doctor before you start. This is particularly important if you take:

• Insulin or sulphonylureas

(such as Diamicron, Daonil, Glyade, Minidiab, Glimel and Amaryl), as these can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, so doses will need adjusting when you fast.

• Medications called Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, or SGLT2i for short (such as

Forxiga, Jardiance,

Xigduo, Jardiamet and

Qtern), which have been found to cause ketoacidosis

(where high levels of ketones build up in the blood and can become life-threatening) in some people, particularly when they are fasting or have a very restricted food intake. You may need to cease this medication when you fast.

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Fasting can also affect other medications you might be taking, by altering the absorption of the medication or increasing the side effects. If you take any type of prescription medication, always speak to your doctor before you attempt to fast.

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It’s a good idea to monitor your BGLs more regularly when you are fasting, and in some cases to check ketones. Your doctor or diabetes educator can advise you on when and

how often to check these.

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If you do take medication affected by food, you may find time-restricted eating is a more practical approach than alternate-day or periodic fasting.

It’s important to keep hydrated when you’re fasting, so don’t forget to drink plenty of water or other low-energy fluids.

Don’t fast if you are unwell and, if you start feeling unwell while fasting, it’s best to stop your fast.