Talk to your doctor first
Before Navratri, Ekadashi, Ramadan or any other fast, discuss your plan with your doctor at least a few weeks ahead. Insulin and some tablets, especially sulfonylureas, can cause dangerous lows during fasting. Do not change doses on your own.
Who should usually not fast
- People with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes
- Anyone with frequent or severe low sugars, or a recent episode of ketoacidosis
- Pregnant women with diabetes
- People with advanced kidney disease or other serious illness
During the fast
- Check your sugar more often, including during the fasting hours; a finger-prick test does not break most fasts
- Drink plenty of water during the hours you are allowed
- At the pre-dawn or main meal, choose slow carbohydrates and protein: roti, dal, curd, vegetables
- Go easy on fried foods, sweets, sabudana, potatoes and sweet drinks at the meal that ends the fast
When to break the fast
End the fast straight away and treat yourself if:
- your sugar falls below 70 mg/dL
- your sugar rises above 300 mg/dL
- you feel faint, confused, very unwell or are vomiting
Breaking a fast to protect your health is accepted in all major faiths.
This guide is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. If you have kidney disease, are pregnant or take insulin, ask your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.