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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 6, 2017 7:21 PM IST
Among the many day-long fasts that Hindus observe is the one for Karva Chauth. Women fast during this festival and pray for their husbands long lives and good health. Beginning at sunrise, the fast lasts for about 12 to 15 hours, may or may not entail consuming a glass of water or juice in the afternoon, and is broken only when the moon rises. While the day-long fast is a good way to detoxify the system, and condition the body and mind, it is also imperative to assess the risks that it may pose for women with conditions such as diabetes. On the occasion of Karva Chauth, it is crucial to raise awareness about the implications of fasting without adequate precautions, especially for those living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant Endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital Karnal and Vice President, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, said, Intermittent fasting has many proven health benefits. However, in women living with diabetes, fasting, without adequate safeguards, can predispose them to hypoglycemia. Karva Chauth requires women to abstain from water all day. This can cause dehydration, dyselectrolytemia, and hypotension. Once the fast is completed, they tend to overindulge in food that is high in fat, carbohydrate, and calories. This can cause peaks of hyperglycemia and worsen glycemic variability. Those with Type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia. It is possible for women living with diabetes to enjoy this festival provided they take good care of the dietary regimen. Here are few diet tips to observe the fast in a healthy way.
What to eat before fasting?
Before the fast begins, women usually consume the sargi early in the morning. This meal should ideally be a nutrient-rich meal as it will enable them to sustain themselves throughout the day. It holds, even more, important in case of those living with diabetes. A sargi rich in protein and complex carbohydrates is ideal before beginning the fast.
How to break the fast?
It is important to break the fast by eating light food. It is wise to avoid food rich in trans fats immediately after breaking the fast. You can break the fast by sipping water or juice to hydrate yourself first. Follow it with by eating protein-rich food rather than consuming sweets and fried foods. Include vegetables, curd, whole grains in the form of chapatis, rice with pulses or dal as a part of your post-fast diet, suggests Dr Kalra. Also read about diabetes and fasting what to do when your blood glucose increases or decreases when fasting
Read this in Hindi.
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