Holy Navratras - Fasting & Feasting

The holy Navratras are associated with prayers and fasting all over India.

But Fasting and Feasting have special significance for Diabetics.

During prolonged fasting when no food or water at all is taken, the blood glucose levels may drop down causing hypoglycemia (this is a serious complication and may result in irreparable damage to brain).
This may specially be aggravated in patients taking either insulin or on frequently used oral medicines like Glimeperide ( Amaryl etc. ), or Glibenclamide ( Daonil etc. ).

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia are:

Sudden weakness
Hunger
Palpitations( increased heart beat),
tremor of hands
Sweating on foreheadand hands
Difficulty in walking, performing simple tasks
Incoherent speech
Loss of consciousness
Seizures

If any of these symptoms occur immediately put some sugar/ glucose / candy / sweets or a bread slice in your mouth and if the symptoms still continue seek medical attention.

It is also important to take sufficient amount of water during fasting periods - to avoid dehydration and resulting consequences.


During the periods of "fasting" many special "Fast-foods" are consumed for some people it may cause excess rather than deficiency of calories and carbohydrates. Most of the foods consumed in north india are fried, fried potatoes, nuts, seeds, halwa made from Singhara ( dried water chestnut) atta Kottu atta ( Buck wheat flour ) and rock salt or fruits etc. while restricting the intake of regular food grains and pulses like wheat, rice, daals etc and common salt.

Consumption of fruits is highly beneficial and preferable for diabetics, But consumption of fried Starchy foods like potatoes and water chestnut ( Singhara/ Kottu atta) is not recommended as this may result in increased blood sugar and cholesterol.


www.diabetestotalcontrol.com