Fasting for Diabetic Christians - Is fasting for religious reasons safe for those with diabetes?
by Ask a Healer
Diabetes-Related Health Articles:
Diabetes-Related Nephritis
Fasting as a spiritual practice for Christians
This is part three of a five-part article on diabetes and fasting. In part one, the question was is it safe for a diabetic to fast?. Please read part one for a better understanding of this and other parts of the health series on diabetic fasting risks.
Christians fast as a spiritual discipline, to develop self-control and as a way of deepening connection in prayer and worship. The tradition of fasting in the Christian faith goes all the way back to the founding of that faith with Jesus, who fasted for 40 days and forty nights in the wilderness. Important as this tradition is, there are cautions for the Christian with diabetes who wishes to practice the spiritual discipline of fasting.
Faith-Based Fasting Resource: I used to link the Titus2 website as a good resource for Christians with diabetes but the last time I did a link check, the site was not loading. Hopefullty, they will have it back up soon. This is one of the resources that does not recommend a diabetic start with a strict water fast. They also advise careful monitoring of blood sugar levels during the fast, so medications can be adjusted as needed. Actually, this particular website may be of interest to anyone wishing to do a prolonged fast, regardless of faith, because they cover some very basic and good points to remember about fasting.
However, it should be noted that this is a faith-based look at fasting and diabetes so the sections on fasting with cancer or illness must be taken within that framework. One good point made on this site is the impact of detoxing while fasting. A complete fast from food detoxes toxins from the body quite rapidly so, depending on your current diet and work situation, you may have more toxins than someone else. Until they get the Titus2 site back up, you might try The Virtuous Woman Blog article on fasting and diabetes.
If you work in an environment that produces chemical fumes, for example, you might want to consider a gentle detox before actually going into a full-blown fast. Detoxing is a big thing here at the wellness library anyway so please also visit the detoxing information section.
Health Care Disclaimer: Diabetic Ketoacidosis, or any other diabetes-related complication, increases the risks that may be associated with fasting. Be certain to discuss your risks with your doctor.
