Fasting has several benefits for people with diabetes, according to Dr. M. Ikhsan Mokoagow, a specialist in internal medicine, metabolic endocrinology, and diabetes. Among these benefits are stabilizing blood glucose levels and regulating the body’s glucose and insulin levels.
By following a more regulated and consistent eating pattern and consuming a relatively similar number of calories, people with diabetes who fast can control their glucose levels. Fasting also helps reduce the amount of harmful cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL) in the body.
Dr. Ikhsan adds that fasting can also lower blood pressure by reducing the production of certain hormones such as adrenaline that contribute to an increase in blood pressure. Additionally, fasting helps to boost the body’s immune system by recycling unnecessary immune cells, especially those that are already damaged.
However, individuals with diabetes should get checked for several risk factors before considering fasting. Based on the International Diabetes Federation – Diabetes and Ramadan (IDF-DAR) guidelines, three risk categories for diabetes and fasting during Ramadan are high, moderate, and low. For people at high risk, fasting may be unsafe, while for those at moderate risk, fasting may be less safe. For those in the low-risk category, fasting may be safe.
Dr. Ikhsan advises people with diabetes to refrain from fasting if their blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL or higher than 300 mg/dL, or if they experience symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), dehydration, or other acute illnesses. He also suggests monitoring blood glucose levels more closely to prevent complications during fasting.
In conclusion, fasting can benefit people with diabetes by stabilizing blood glucose levels, regulating glucose and insulin levels, reducing harmful cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and boosting the immune system. However, individuals with diabetes should get checked for risk factors before considering fasting, and they must monitor their blood glucose levels closely during the entire period of fasting.