It’s important to check your blood sugar regularly, take your medication regularly, and see your doctor — you guessed it— regularly. Staying on top of your numbers can help you avoid a spike or take care of one before it gets dangerous. If you take insulin and you are experiencing a blood sugar spike, you may need additional short-acting insulin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, losing sleep, skipping breakfast, not drinking enough water, or drinking coffee (even without sweetener) can cause blood sugar instability.
Many people with diabetes are turning to fasting as a way to help lower their blood sugars. But is this practice safe and effective? Let’s explore the benefits and risks of fasting for managing blood sugar levels.
According to ADA’s nutrition therapy Consensus Report, the studies reviewed showed that intermittent fasting may result in weight loss but didn’t improve A1C. If, after reading all of this, you’re skeptically thinking, “Yeah right, does intermittent fasting really help lower blood sugar?? Intermittent fasting and improved blood sugar management is a real thing, but whether it’s a real thing for you is a question only you can answer. Often these hypoglycemic events for people without diabetes will auto-adjust after a bit of time, but the person may also choose to eat a snack or drink a juice in order to boost their blood sugar more quickly.
They may suggest types of activities based on your ability, schedule, meal plan, interests, and diabetes medicines. Your health care professional may also tell you the best times of day to be active or what to do if your blood glucose level goes out of the range recommended for you. Your fasting blood sugar level, also known as your glucose level, indicates how well your body manages your glucose levels without food in your system. High levels of fasting glucose indicates that your body has a hard time keeping its glucose level stable on its own.
If you stop, fasting’s positive impact on your blood sugar regulation will also stop unless you can find an alternative arrangement to sticking to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Recently, there has been a lot of attention on blood sugars and wearing monitors to track how food can influence your levels. While it can seem appealing to have this knowledge, there is a lack of data available to back up any additional benefits of tracking your blood sugars in healthy individuals without diabetes. In summary, this study confirmed our hypothesis that greater adoption of LGE would result in greater improvements in measures of GV.
This combination results in more acid sitting around in the stomach, with less liquid to neutralize it, creating the perfect environment for acid reflux to blossom. Research shows that late-night eating prompts the body to overproduce stomach acid. This is why Panda thinks it’s important to eat an early dinner, when you can. That might mean taking more or less insulin, whether it’s a change in basal rate, correction rate, or sensitivity factor.
Treatments with pumpkin extracts and powders have been shown to significantly decrease blood sugar levels in both limited human studies and animal studies (16, 17). Interestingly, studies have found that improvements in blood sugar levels are more significant in people who consume multiple species of probiotics and for at least 8 weeks (69, 70). Spreading your meals and snacks throughout the day may help you avoid both high and low blood sugar levels (62). Research shows that even a 5% reduction in body weight can improve your blood sugar regulation and reduce the need for diabetes medication (27).
The Science Behind Fasting
Fasting has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. When you fast, your body starts to burn stored glucose and fat for energy, which can help lower blood sugar levels over time.
Types of Fasting
- Intermittent fasting: This involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, such as the popular 16/8 method.
- Extended fasting: This typically involves fasting for 24 hours or more, sometimes up to several days.
FAQs About Fasting and Blood Sugars
Q: Can fasting help lower blood sugars in people with diabetes?
A: Yes, fasting can be an effective tool for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, it should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Q: Are there any risks associated with fasting?
A: Fasting can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if not done properly, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely while fasting.
Q: How long should I fast to see results in my blood sugar levels?
A: The length of time needed to see results can vary from person to person. Some may see improvements in blood sugar levels after just a few days of fasting, while others may take longer.
In conclusion, fasting can be a useful tool for lowering blood sugars in people with diabetes, but it is important to approach it with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. By understanding the science behind fasting and its potential benefits and risks, individuals can make informed decisions about incorporating fasting into their diabetes management plan.
