Weight control is an important factor in managing your diabetes. But it is hard to stick to a low-calorie diet day in and day out. Many diabetics struggle to lose weight and keep it at optimal levels.

What Can Be Done?

A new diet trend that is growing in popularity is intermittent fasting. Followers of this practice stick to a schedule where one day they may eat normally, and the next day they severely restrict their calories. There are a variety of intermittent fasts such as the Alternate Day Diet, the 5:2 plan, or the Overnight Diet.

Research has shown that intermittent fasting can offer similar benefits to a traditional daily moderation of caloric intake. There are even some indications that it can help diabetics control their glucose and reduce cholesterol levels.

But is fasting safe?

Managing your diabetes involves making sure to eat regularly to keep your blood sugar levels from plummeting. A strict diet may have an impact on your glucose, especially if you take medication to help keep your sugar levels under control.

Tips for Fasting

It’s important to speak with your doctor before beginning this type of diet. You may be able to better determine if your body can handle eating very little or no food a few times a week. The doctor will also be able to help you adjust your medication for those days when you are fasting.

There are a few other things to remember:

Consider a diet that alternates normal calories with low calories. It’s better to eat something on your fast days than nothing at all.

Keep checking your glucose even on the fast days. This will help you prevent hypoglycemia.

If your blood sugar levels become higher than 300 mg/dl or lower than 70 mg/dl, end your diet and take medication, if necessary.

Keep glucose tablets or gel on your person, so you can quickly raise blood sugar levels.

Wear your medical alert bracelet, and let others know that you are on a special diet in case you pass out.

Some of these suggestions sound a little ominous, but you can fast safely. All that’s needed is some research, your doctor’s advice, and an awareness of your body’s signals.