Dos and don’ts for those fasting despite diabetes

DOS

1. Consult your doctor: Doing so will help you in eating and avoiding foods that can lead to various issues like weight gain, acidity, and dehydration.

2. Maintain your blood sugar level:

Maintaining a stable blood sugar level in the acceptable range before fasting helps in controlling glucose levels during fasting.

3. Check your blood sugar level frequently:

Check blood sugar levels while fasting (as advised), especially if you are taking insulin. Avoid fasting if your blood sugar level has gone down.

4. Take medicine on time: Even if you are fasting, it is imperative to take medication and insulin.

5. Take smaller meals:

Eat-in a limited proportion and avoid oily food after breaking fast.

7. Stay hydrated:

is the need of the hour to have fluids and maintain electrolyte balance to avoid dehydration. Skip sugary drinks and colas.

DON’TS

1. Avoid sweets: Do not have too many sweets or fatty foods. Maintain a food diary about what you eat in a day.

2. Don’t skip meals: Do not skip meals or consume a lot of food after skipping the meal, as doing so can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar.

3. Don’t ignore these signs: Don’t take any signs like vomiting, dark urine, a headache, and nausea lightly. These may be signs owing to dehydration.

4. Seek medical help:

Be vigilant regarding signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) -dizziness, excessive sweating, tremors, confusion can be signs of the same. Seek your doctor’s advice in case you are experiencing these.

5. Do not overexercise: If you are fasting then don’t exercise rigorously as doing so can lower the blood sugar levels. Ask your fitness instructor about the exercises you can opt for while fasting.

A person with diabetes can still keep Navratri fasts by proper planning and preparing.