Wellness

[Group 5 minus 1]

Can diabetics fast? Do you think it is a good idea?

[catter70]

I would think not, but your doctor would be the best person to ask.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

I am a big fan of intermittent fasting, but this is something to discusss with your doctor - not strangers on a message board who don't know your health status or history. 

[Sweet Kitties]

I don't know about type 2 diabetics, but my son is type 1 & he was told to never ever fast! It can throw your body way out of wack and go into into ketosis. Then you'll be calling 911. That's why it's so dangerous when diabetics get the stomach flu & keep vomiting everything up. I wouldn't try it! I think it's way too harsh for any diabetic. You need to keep your system on as even a keel as possible.

[4kitties]

@Group 5 minus 1 

Please discuss this with your doctor that knows your health and history.  Please do not take medical advice from a shopping forum.  

[millieshops]

@JeanLouiseFinch @catter70   Definitly agree the doctor who prescribes for the diabetic should be who answers this question. @Group 5 minus 1 And be sure to know why and how the patient is thinking of fasting.  I know non-diabetics who fast sometimes from breakfast until dinner time, some who fast from breakfast to the next breakfast, and some who fast from evening until morning. I rarely eat between 7 pm and 7 am, but I don't name those hours as fasting.  I just know I sleep better if my belly isn't still full.

[CalminHeart]

My dad is diabetic and occasionally goes too long without eating and it's always bad news.... he gets shaky, lightheaded, may fall, and even gets a little mentally  out of sorts. He's 91 and can't afford those symptoms so has begun eating (healthy) every few hours. 

DO WHAT YOUR DOCTOR SAYS. 

[IMW]

Could developer hypoglycemia----too low sugar. You need medical clearance for this.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Thank you all for your kind and intelligent replies.

[cjm61]

@Group 5 minus 1 I'm not sure what some posters mean when they say no way, no fasting. I do agree with people saying check with your doctor and what you are fasting for. My husband is a Type 1 diabetic and fasts every 3 months or so for blood work. Now, occasionally his blood sugar goes too low, rarely, and he will have to eat something then he reschedules his blood work. According to his physician there is no harm in him fasting for blood work.

Again, check with your doctor. I can't imagine fasting for 24 hours or so would be good though for diabetics.