Navratri Fasting with Diabetes or High BP? 5 Expert Doctor Tips to Fast Safely!

Navratri means fasting, devotion and joy. But fasting can be risky for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure. Fasting is possible with proper planning and precautions, but it can be a big danger if neglected.

Dr. Akash Shah (Vice President-Technical, Newburgh Diagnostics) warns—

When diabetic patients fast, their blood sugar levels can sometimes suddenly drop (hypoglycemia). Again, if food and medicine are not properly matched, the opposite can happen, that is, sugar levels can increase.

In the case of patients with high blood pressure, if the medication is not taken correctly, the pressure can suddenly increase or decrease, which is dangerous.

And fasting without water quickly dehydrates the body. This disrupts the balance of salts and minerals in the body, causing the heart and kidneys to endure more stress than usual.

So how to fast safely? Know 5 simple tips

1. Consult a Doctor

Do not make any decisions on your own. Ask your doctor to check the timing and dosage of your medication before starting the fast. A small change can save you from big problems. So do not do anything without consulting a doctor.

2. Eat The Right Food

Do not eat excessive sweets every day. Instead, you can eat pulses, beans, lean proteins. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, spinach, coconut water – these help control blood pressure. Avoid too much salt or packaged foods.

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3. Keep The Body Hydrated

You should drink water little by little and frequently instead of drinking a lot of water at once. ORS can be useful in case of dehydration. Do not drink excess tea and coffee, as they remove water from the body.

4. Check Diabetes and  High Blood Pressure Regularly

Check blood sugar with a glucometer and blood pressure on a machine. Be careful if you experience dizziness, sweating, palpitations or fainting. If the sugar level drops below 70 mg/dl or the blood pressure drops below 90/60 mmHg, break the fast on that day.

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5. Get The Necessary Health Check-Ups

Get regular blood sugar tests and HbA1c. Serum creatinine, GFR and urine microalbumin tests are essential for the kidneys. Daily home measurements are good for blood pressure, but 24-hour monitoring is the most reliable. If necessary, using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) can provide early warning.

Fasting is possible even if you have diabetes and high blood pressure, but you have to plan ahead, follow your doctor’s advice, and be aware of your body.