SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Sept 30: Nine-day fasting in Navratri before consulting a doctor could be fatal for diabetes patients, according to a Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) expert.
Dr Sunil Gupta, a senior office bearer of the research society, recommends that people with diabetes should not practice strict fasting (fasting with only water on nine all days), as it can be unsafe, especially for those living on multi-oral glucose-lowering drugs or insulin therapy and those associated with other complications.
The expert also suggested that people associated with complications like heart, kidney, and brain and those who have undergone any surgery or intervention like angioplasty or bypass surgery or have a recent history of hospitalization for any reason like Covid-19 infection, should avoid fasting.
“There are risks for diabetes while fasting. Many people keep a fast without food and take only water (Nirahar) for the whole day, many eat only fruits during nine days (phalahar), or some take a one-time meal of the day while fasting. If a diabetic person observes fasting for nine days then there is a danger of ‘hypoglycemia (reduced sugar level). In case of consumption of high sugar content meal or snacks and fruits, there is a risk of hyperglycemia (high sugar level) too,” he said.
Dr Gupta pointed out that during Navratri fast, many people tend to skip medicines for diabetes, blood thinners and others. This may cause an increase in blood glucose and blood pressure. It increases the risk of ketoacidosis, heart attack or blockage in lower limb vessels.
“Since it is a symbol of respect towards rituals and religion, Navratri fasting can be observed with certain precautions. Consult your doctor at least two weeks before starting such long fasting. The doctor would prescribe the medicines for such situation having least risk of hypoglycemia and amount of water to avoid dehydration,” he said.
Many people, especially women, do not eat anything till afternoon (till Puja concludes). They should drink a glass of milk or have at least a fruit before starting the prayers. He said even if diabetic persons keep fasting, they should monitor their sugar levels and blood pressure regularly and should not stop medicines without consulting a doctor.
RSSDI Jharkhand chapter Chairman Dr NK Singh said that the organization is planning to survey the impact of nine-day Navratri and one-day Jitiya fasting on a diabetes patient. Since, fasting is associated with rituals and religion, no one can be stopped but its impact could be checked through continuous glucose monitoring machine,” he said.
