Are you diabetic and keeping fasts for the straight 9 days of Navratri? Beware as fasting and diabetes don’t go hand in hand. The upcoming days will not be normal and you may think of quitting in the middle. We are too much sure about it as not eating for a long time will disrupt the blood sugar level putting you in a stage of a medical emergency.
In other words, either you will be suffering from hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic during the fast. But you can avoid this situation by following the guidelines strictly. Here are the experts’ recommended tips to plan the 9 days of Navratri without affecting your blood sugar.
Tips For Diabetic Patients Who Plan To Fast During Navratri
1. Do Not Forget The Pre-Fasting Meals
Regular fasting is not recommended for diabetic patients so they should either keep fast alternatively or the first and last days of Navratri. Even if your blood sugar levels are not highly fluctuating, consider eating meals before the fasting days. Pre-fast meals will keep you nourished, hydrated, and prepared for the rest of the days.
2. Add Barley To Your Diet
Staying hungry for longer periods will rev up your glucose level and eating high-carb foods like potatoes will do more harm. Eat barley instead as it contains beta-glucan which is a soluble fiber that reduces the sugar-absorption ability of the body. Besides balancing your blood sugar level, barley also manages your insulin as it is a low glycemic food.
3. Eat Singhara Rotis
The healthiest Navratri food for patients with diabetes is singhara which also manages glucose levels. It is filled with the goodness of Vitamin B, S, and antioxidants. Thus, it is labeled as heart-friendly food. Singhara is also good for those who desire to keep calories in control during fasting.
You can either make singhara rotis, puri, cheela, or pakoras during fasting however diabetic patients should limit the consumption of fried foods.
Also Read: Top 10 Scientifically Proven Foods That Boost Immune System
4. Keep Your Protein Intake Low
High-protein foods increase the risk of diabetes but it doesn’t mean one should avoid it completely. Your body still needs this to stay healthy as protein helps in tissue repairing, building muscle mass, and more.
Eat foods like Dahi, paneer, milk, spinach, and other dairy products to get the daily recommendations of protein.
5. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Diabetic patients should not skip water at any cost as dehydration can further deteriorate their health. They will feel thirstier than before which indicates the high glucose levels in their body. So, the key to balancing fasting and diabetes is to drink lots of water.
Keep your blood sugar levels in check and if it goes below 70mg/dL or above 300mg/dL, break your fast immediately. Consult a doctor and follow the guidelines given by them.
Must-Watch: Tips To Reduce Blood Sugar Level For Diabetic Patients
[Note: Do not avoid medicines during Navratri as it can seriously affect your condition ]