Diabetes Health Bite:
Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Blurred vision

Abnormally chronic moods of irritation

Frequent urination,

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained, intense hunger,

Frequent excessive thirst

Frequent urinary tract or yeast infections

Abnormally slow healing time on wounds

Unexplained, chronic fatique

Even though many of these symptoms could be factors in other conditions besides diabetes, you should rule out diabetes whenever you have any of the above symptoms to a point of medical concern.

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...Can diabetics fast safely?

© 2006, Neva J Howell, All Rights Reserved, Updated 2007
Question on health care and healing: I have read about the health benefits of fasting but I'm diabetic. Can diabetics fast without harming their health?

Healer's response: There are two main reasons that people choose to fast: spiritual and health-related. For some, fasting is undertaken because of the healing benefits of fasting on the body. For others, fasting is done to fulfill a spiritual mandate or to pursue spiritual vision.

Since your question seems to relate more to fasting for health benefits, we'll talk about diabetes and fasting for health reasons first and then address spiritual fasting for the diabetic.

Can diabetics fast safely?

Some can, it appears, though a diabetic should always consult with their doctor before undergoing a fast of any duration.

One big factor is whether your diabetes is diet-controlled or controlled thru medicine. If controlled strictly through diet and you have not reached the point where you are taking medicine to control the symptoms, you are better suited to fasting as a diabetic.

It's important to note that there are different levels of fasting. I didn't find a single source that recommended strict water fasting for diabetics (or at least diabetics should not begin with strict water fasting) but found several that indicated that medically supervised fasting could be undertaken if certain criteria were met:

1. There is NO history of diabetic ketoacidosis.
2. There are NO current infections.
3. The diabetic is NOT pregnant.
4. The current state is well-controlled.
5. There is NO uncontrolled high blood pressure or angina.

Note: These are not the only criteria that a doctor looks at in deciding if it's safe for a diabetic to fast, so go over all your medical history with your doctor when you discuss this topic.

If you have been diagnosed as a brittle type I diabetic, or your diabetes is not well-controlled at the time you wish to begin fasting, it may not be approved by your doctor to undertake a fast.

On the other hand, if you are a stable diabetic and obese, fasting or a very low calorie diet may be advisable and you can discuss this option with your doctor.

There have been studies done which indicated that a very low calorie diet, undertaken short term, helped to reduce oxidative stress in type 2 obese diabetics.

Related diabetic diet information:
The right kind of fiber for diabetics
Smoking increases risk of diabetes-related complications
Aromatherapy approach to help you quit smoking.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis?

This complex diabetes-related health condition is the result of insulin deficiency. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include dehydration, high blood sugar levels, blood sugar chemistry alterations and a build up of ketones and acids.

If you have developed this condition, your doctor may or may not be able to tell you what caused it but some of the reasons a diabetic will develop diabetic ketoacidosis include missing their required dosage of insulin, having a stroke or heart attack, infection, and stress.

To learn more about diabetic ketoacidosis as well as other diabetes-related problems, please visit eMedicine from WebMD

I am aware of three major groups of people for whom fasting is part of the religious or spiritual structure of their lives: Christians, Native Americans and Muslims. Of course, there are those in every religious or spiritual path who recognize the value of fasting as a spiritual discipine and, in focusing on these three, I am not excluding others.

Fasting for Diabetic Christians

Christians fast as a spiritual discipline, to develop self-control and as a way of deepening connection in prayer and worship. However, Christians with diabetes need to learn how they can safely carry on their spiritual practice of fasting.

A good resource for Christians with diabetes, who want to know about fasting and diabetes, is the Titus2 Website. This is one of the resources that does not recommend a diabetic start with a strict water fast. They also advise careful monitoring of blood sugar levels during the fast, so medications can be adjusted as needed.

Diabetic Muslims, Fasting for Ramadhaan:

For the millions of Muslims who observe Ramadhaan every year, there is a site that features very specific information on the rich foods that are so often a part of the observation of Ramadan / Ramadhaan and provide help on the healthiest way to observe the fasting rules for this Islamic month of ceremony. They include sample recipes for Muslim diabetics during Ramadan.

Suggested allowable foods for diabetics, listed on the daily diet include Potato Bhujia, Fool Midammis, Laban, Salatet Hummus, Bhuna Gosht and more.

For more information, please visit Islam-USA for an excellent article written by Shahid Athar , M. D. which specifically deals with diabetes and fasting, as it pertains to the Muslim observing Ramadan.

Native Americans at higher risk for diabetes:

If you are Native American, you are at a significantly higher risk for developing diabetes and also at higher risk for diabetic complications.

It is very important to get a fasting plasma glucose test done prior to fasting, if you are over the age of 45, there is a history of diabetes in your family or you are overweight by more than 20 percent of your ideal body weight.

Native Americans fast as part of many spiritual ceremonies including Vision Quest. Most Native Americans with whom I've had contact practice regular fasting so, since this is a high risk group, paying attention to the special situation that arises when a diabetic chooses to fast for spiritual reasons, there should be more attention paid to this, particularly with Elders who fast.

The remaining Native American Elders are a precious gift and we should do everything we can to protect their health, so that they can continue to impart their spiritual wisdom.

Another unique factor for diabetic Native Americans who fast is that, very often, the fast is combined with very rigorous physical activity, such as is the case in Sundance. Instead of moderate physical activity, they are more physically active than normal and this adds to the risks if diabetic.

I'm aware that many feel spiritual ceremony can heal conditions such as diabetes....I'm one of them, in fact. I've seen that ceremony can heal the body, sometimes where medical science fails.

However, I also respect the wisdom of the body and when we have manifested illness, it is important to deal with that at the safest level of healing the body will accept. Sometimes, that means respecting the current condition of the body on physical, as well as spiritual, levels.

Additional ethnic groups with higher risk for developing diabetes include Latin American, Asian, Pacific Islander and African American.

Healthy Weight Loss Information * Detoxification Questions

Health Care Disclaimer: Diabetes is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening condition. None of the information on this page, or elsewhere on this site, is meant to replace needed medical diagnosis or treatment. The alternative health care / spiritual healing information provided here is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your chosen healthcare professional for proper guidance on treating diabetes.