Fasting with diabetes poses grave risk: Experts

Hyderabad: Diabetes has been seriously underrated as a global public health issue, and with spiritual fasting, diabetes increases the danger it brings for a patient. In India, festivities are filled all throughout the year. Most often these festivities are accompanied by extensive fasting. People with diabetes become more exposed to the dangers of fasting or excessive feasting.

The severity of diabetes can be gazed with the alarming statistics by IDF Diabetes Atlas 2017 that states "Diabetes kills 1 person every 8 seconds around the world. Worldwide, 451 million people are diabetic, out of which, 72.9 million are in India." Fasting may look like a tip of the iceberg, but it is a major triggering factor that worsens the condition for a diabetic.

According to IDF Diabetes Atlas 2017, 693 million people are going to be affected by diabetes, as it is expected to increase by 2045. Kerala has the largest number of diabetes patients, followed by Tamil Nadu and Punjab, according to Endocrinologists and Diabetologists in the state.

"If a diabetic fasts, potential health hazards include hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, dehydration and acute metabolic complications observes diabetic ketoacidosis. It is important to keep a tap on your blood glucose levels as the chances are that during the fast your blood glucose levels may drop too low. It is advisable to keep your doctor informed if you decide to fast," said Dr Faraz Farishtey, director at Sparsh Diabetic centre.

"In Type 2 diabetes you see that people are generally obese and have large abdomens. As the patient gains weight, it gets worse. Fasting should not be done without consulting a doctor. Patients should plan a visit to the doctor 6 to 8 weeks ahead to get an overall assessment to decide their risks during fasting," said Dr Ravi Muppidi, director at AED Hospital.