People fast for various reasons – some have essential religious aspects while others practice it for dietary concerns. Regardless of the reason, fasting can lead to major problems for people with different health conditions such as diabetes. Fasting includes eating for a small period of time known as the fasting period and cutting back on calories for the most part.
People with diabetes are advised to fast safely, follow a proper diet, and check blood sugar levels using a glucometer to avoid its fluctuation. Before a fasting plan, such people must speak to their doctor or healthcare team to make sure they are good to practice it.
Benefits of Fasting
1. Healthy Heart
Studies revealed that alternate-day fasting can help reduce cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides by 25% and 32% respectively which makes the human heart strong. Many studies also showed that adults who fast for two to three weeks witnessed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels.
2. Boost Brain Function
It’s generally believed that fasting has a good impact on brain functions. How? It may relieve inflammation that prevents neurodegenerative disorders. One of the studies showed that intermittent fasting for 11 months strengthens brain structure and functions.
3. Promotes Blood Sugar Levels
Fasting may be effective for diabetics as it helps improve blood sugar levels. It also reduces the risk of diabetes diagnosis among people who are at the borderline. Moreover, intermittent fasting is considered beneficial to help decrease the blood sugar of people with diabetes and reduce insulin resistance. However, fasting has a different impact on both men and women depending on their medical history.
4. Fights Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can have severe side effects on our health and it is developed by serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. According to some studies, fasting can help reduce inflammation levels and promote health. Studies suggest that fasting 12 hours a day for a month greatly decreases any level of inflammatory markers.
5. Enhances Mental Functions
During the fasting period, the body has less toxic material flowing through the blood and lymphatic system. This enables the brain to think and use energy. Once the body is clear of these toxins, your brain gets a clean bloodstream that results in better and sharp memory and clearer thoughts. These changes may not be visible to you as they occur inside your brain, but a few days after you fast safely, you will experience these changes. It works significantly for people managing diabetes.
6. Great Willpower
Deciding to fast requires refraining from food for a particular duration. It takes a lot of mental strength and resistance in the short term to be able to pursue it for a longer period. When people with diabetes fast, they can’t consume sugary items and foods that can increase their blood sugar. It challenges their body and their mind to resist and they display immense willpower which ultimately keeps their blood sugar levels steady.
7. Weight Loss Management
Most of the time, diabetologists suggest lifestyle changes for managing diabetes. This may include choosing the right food, eating at the right time, incorporating a physical activity in your routine, and most importantly: weight loss (for overweight individuals). Fasting significantly helps in weight loss. How? You consume zero calories during your fasting period and fewer healthy calories during your eating period.
Paired with physical activity such as exercise or walks, this can contribute to managing diabetes and blood sugar levels. Fasting is considered effective for increasing fat loss and preserving muscle tissues.
8. Growth Hormone Secretion
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a type of hormone that is essential for many bodily functions such as metabolism, weight loss, growth, and muscle strength. Studies suggest that fasting for diabetes care may help a 5-fold increase in HGH production. Moreover, it helps maintain blood sugar and insulin level throughout the day, enhancing HGH levels.
9. Delays Aging
Several studies have shown that fasting may have a promising result in delaying aging. However, these studies have been limited to animal research and further studies are conducted on human aging and increasing longevity.
10. Benefits for Cancer Patients
A recent study revealed that fasting during chemotherapy may help boost the immune system and exposes cancerous cells. It helps rid the body of toxic cells and replace them with new and healthy ones. This study, however, needs to be backed by facts.
What Happens When You Fast?
Normally, the body enters the fasting state after eight hours or more of the last meal. The body then starts to store glucose sources and later in the fasting period, it will break down body fat to take energy from. Using the body fat as an energy source helps lose weight after a few days. However, this practice may not be suitable for diabetic individuals for they require to maintain their glucose level, subject to their condition.
However, the question of its safety is still a concern.
Is Fasting Safe for Diabetics?
People have opinion that fasting and diabetes care can go hand in hand. Some studies also suggest that fasting may be good for people with diabetes. It may not be the best treatment but it is not hazardous to health as well, subject to the condition of every individual.
The American Diabetes Association believes that fasting is not a safe way for managing diabetes. The association also suggested nutritional therapy, a healthy diet, and good physical activity for weight loss and diabetes management. However, more research is required to understand if it is a safe practice for the long term.
What are the Safe Fasting Tips?
- Never forget to test your blood sugar level during fasting using a glucometer.
- Make sure you are hydrated.
- Avoid overeating during your eating period, it causes the blood glucose level to shoot up.
- Make sure your doctor is aware of your fasting plan.
The Bottom Line
Fasting is an effective method for weight loss, but it comes with conditions for people with diabetes. They are required to fast safely if they wish to adopt this practice. It is important to stay well while fasting and test their blood sugar levels frequently. The safe way to go about it is to speak to your doctor before you decide to fast and take proper diabetes medications.