Festivals bring a kind of happiness that is hard to compare. Homes are filled with laughter, family celebrations last late into the night, and favorite dishes return to every table. Yet for people with diabetes, these same moments of joy can sometimes cause a little anxiety. It’s not always easy to balance the warmth of celebration with the practicalities of health.
Doctors often point out that the issue is not just about the festival, it is about everything related to it. Eating at odd times, skipping workouts, staying up late, or only seeing syrupy sweets can throw the body off its normal rhythm. outcome? Blood sugar readings may increase and decrease unpredictably.
Still, this does not mean that festivals should be celebrated with fear or restraint. With a little preparation and awareness, most people can find ways to enjoy the full spirit of the season, just with a little more awareness.
When rituals meet reality
For many communities, fasting is deeply linked to faith. Fasting takes many forms, from fasting from sunrise to sunset in Ramadan to one-day observances like Karva Chauth or Ekadashi, or even the contemplative week of Lent. This may mean avoiding all food, eating only fruit, or giving up certain ingredients for a period of time.
These practices hold emotional and spiritual meaning. But when diabetes comes into the picture, fasting can come with some additional considerations. Going too long without food can cause blood sugar to drop too low, while a heavy meal after breaking the fast can quickly push it in the other direction. This also includes dehydration or missed sleep, and the body may need extra care to find its balance again.
This is where prefast counseling comes in. Doctors and dietitians often suggest planning a few weeks in advance (especially 6-8 weeks), taking into account how fasting may affect someone based on their medication, daily routine, and overall health. This is also when they can suggest changes to meal schedules, insulin adjustments, or help identify warning signs that it may be time to break the fast.
knowing when to stop
Faith and fasting often go hand in hand, but continuing to fast when the body is under stress rarely serves the purpose. Experts say people should consider ending their fast if the reading falls below 70 mg/dL or rises above 300 mg/dL, or if symptoms such as dizziness, sweating or unusual fatigue occur. ¹
Even mild dehydration can make blood sugar hard to manage, especially in hot weather or during dry fasting. Keeping a glucose meter nearby and checking regularly can help catch changes early. If readings or symptoms appear low, breaking the fast, rehydrating, and talking to a doctor may help prevent complications.
Fasting is not the same for everyone
Just as fasting traditions vary, so do individual health needs. The International Diabetes Federation and the Diabetes and Ramadan Alliance (IDF-DAR) have designed a simple risk scoring system to help people estimate how fasting may affect them.
People with type 2 diabetes in the low risk range (score 0-3), usually controlled through diet or mild medication, can fast safely under guidance.
The moderate-risk category (3.5-6) ​​may include older adults or people taking certain oral medications; They are generally advised to proceed with caution, ideally with close monitoring.
Anyone in a high-risk group (above 6), for example, those with type 1 diabetes, kidney problems or unstable blood sugar, may be advised to avoid fasting altogether.¹
These are not rigid rules but rather general frameworks intended to help people make informed, personal choices. Since health conditions vary, experts often suggest revisiting the risk category each year before starting a fast.
Managing Fasting Safely
If one chooses to fast, preparation can make a big difference. Health professionals usually highlight some practical steps that can make the experience easier:
- Talk to your doctor quickly. They may guide medication changes or insulin dose adjustments.
- Know the body’s warning signs. Knowing what low or high sugar feels like can help prevent emergencies.
- Check regularly. Whether through simple self-monitoring or continuous glucose monitoring, it matters to keep an eye on the patterns.
- be flexible. Ending or modifying a fast if things don’t feel right is an act of self-care, not a failure.
For people with type 1 diabetes, fasting is difficult but not always impossible. Some people continue close monitoring and use basal-bolus insulin routines that provide flexibility in timing. For people with type 2 diabetes, oral medications can be continued as usual, although others that can lower sugar too much may need review.
Every decision from food to dosage is best taken with medical advice.
feast without going overboard
If fasting tests restraint, feasting tests balance. In India, festivals are incomplete without festive spreads, sweet, salty, rich and comforting. From Eid biryani to Diwali laddus, these dishes hold deep cultural meanings. For many people, giving them up feels like giving up joy.
Nevertheless, eating a heavy meal immediately after fasting can increase sugar levels. Traditional dishes rich in ghee, oil and sugar can make the body work hard. Some mindful habits can help keep things steady:
- Take your time and enjoy each bite, this helps prevent overeating.
- Start with smaller portions, especially sweets or fried foods.
- Include fiber-rich foods such as vegetables or lentils to slow absorption.
- Stay hydrated and return to a balanced diet immediately afterward.
People using insulin may want to discuss adjusting their dosage for larger meals with their doctor. Others may simply need to continue the medication and check sugar levels after the feast. A few small changes can make all the difference.
Everyday Habits That Support Celebration
According to what doctors and dietitians share, some steady habits can help keep the festive ups and downs in check:
|
challenge |
what help can i get |
|---|---|
| high blood sugar or dehydration | Plan early, recognize symptoms and follow medication schedules. |
| overeating after fasting | Follow dietitian-approved plans, eat slowly and keep track of small changes. |
| skip glucose test | Keep blood glucose monitoring devices, such as a glucometer and test strips, with you and use them regularly. |
| less movement | Try a light walk or stretching, all this helps with stability. |
These steps can’t eliminate all risks, but they can make the difference between feeling uncomfortable and feeling in charge of one’s health.
Blending tradition with technology
Technology now quietly supports multiple fasting visits – teleconsultations allow people to share glucose readings with their doctors in real time, even remotely. Continuous glucose monitors, phone apps, or simple reminders can help people stay on track without disrupting rituals.
These tools do not replace medical advice, but they can bridge small gaps, especially for those managing diabetes independently during busy or sacred times.
When food is more than just food
Festivals are not just about rituals; They are about belonging. The aroma of home-made sweets, the laughter around a shared meal, the feeling of continuity, these are the emotional foundations. Saying no to a favorite dish can sometimes feel like saying no to family.
That is why many experts talk not of restrictions but of inclusion. Awareness can often take the place of restraint. Families can help, too, by offering smaller portions, balancing the menu with lighter options, or showing understanding when someone needs to stop or test their sugar. A little thoughtfulness can align happiness and health.
Redefining the idea of ​​control
Managing blood sugar during festivals is not about perfection. It’s like adjusting the tempo when the tempo changes. Some days may align perfectly; Others may surprise you. He is alright. The key is to remain alert and flexible.
Checking your sugar frequently, taking a few extra steps, or talking openly with your doctor about prescription pills can help avoid serious problems. The most important thing is to celebrate the festival without fear and with ease.
a season of mental bliss
Each festival celebrates relationships between people, faith and the joy of being together. For someone with diabetes, it can also be a moment to reconnect with their well-being.
Balancing health and happiness doesn’t mean saying no to what you love. It simply means listening to your body, planning ahead, and making space for both celebration and care. With a little awareness and the right support, every dessert, every meal, every moment can still hold a full dose of happiness, just with a touch of mindfulness added to it.
Reference:
- https://journals.lww.com/ijdt/fulltext/2023/02020/the_impact_of_festivals_on_diabetes.2.aspx
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
Note to reader: This article is created by HT Brand Studio on behalf of Roche Diabetes Care India Pvt. Ltd. Ltd. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement. Please consult a registered medical practitioner for personal medical advice or before making any decisions regarding your health conditions or treatment options.
