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Diabetes and Paryushan: How to Keep Blood Sugar Levels Stable While Fasting

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Paryushan means opening your heart to spiritual purity and getting rid of all the dirt or Karma that accumulates over the years. This annual festival, celebrated among Jains around the world in the month of August or September, is of great importance. It is observed for a period of 8 days by Shvetambar Jains, while Digambar Jains observe it for 10 days. During these 8-10 days, Jains try to exercise self-discipline and engage themselves in prayers, meditation and strict fasting, just like in monasticism.

While fasting is an important part of Paryushan, those suffering from diabetes may face certain problems while doing it. On regular days, diabetics are advised to eat balanced meals at regular intervals to prevent blood sugar spikes. Hence, total fasting during the festival or following a restrictive diet can be difficult for many. If you are a diabetic and thinking of observing the fast during Paryushan Mahaparva (from 4^th September to 11^th September 2021), you must consult your doctor and take a decision accordingly. You should also have adequate health insurance for diabetics so that you can deal with unforeseen events confidently.

Who can fast during Paryushan?

• Those with normal blood sugar levels can fast during the festival.
• If you have Type 2 diabetes, you can observe the fast only if your HbA1c(haemoglobin A1c) testis normal. This test measures the amount of blood sugar in haemoglobin. An ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol or less than 6.5%.
• If you are on insulin, you must talk to your doctor before deciding. The doctor may either discourage you from fasting or make necessary adjustments to your insulin dose to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
• If your blood sugar is more than 250-300 mg/dL, fasting can be risky. You should visit your doctor at the earliest and make necessary changes to your diet and medication to lower blood sugar levels.

When should you consider breaking the fast?

If you are a diabetic and fasting during Paryushan, the chances of feeling weak and sick are high. Hence, if you feel sick, hungry and weak, you may have to break your fast to avoid health risks. Here are some instances when breaking the fast is important:

• You experience weakness, headache, hunger, shivering, frequent urination and other hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic symptoms. A random blood sugar test is also important in such cases.
• If your random blood sugar level is above 250-300 ml/dL, consult your doctor immediately and break the fast if needed.
• In case your random blood glucose test reading is below 70 mg/dL, you must take something sweet like toffee, sugar or glucose water immediately. You may also have to break your fast and eat some carbohydrate-rich foods. If you feel unwell, visit a doctor without delay.

Precautions that diabetics must take when fasting during Paryushan

If you are a diabetic, you must keep the following points in mind:

1. Consult your doctor:

   Talk to your doctor to know if it is safe for you to observe the Paryushan fast.

    

2. Eat whole grains and pulses:

   If you are fasting after consulting your doctor, include more whole grains, cereals and pulses in your diet. Jowar, bajra, nachni and oats are some healthy options. They provide fibre to the body and keep you feeling full for long. Since vegetables are not consumed during the festival, these foods will provide the necessary fibre.

    

3. Stay hydrated:

   Include plenty of fluids in your diet, like 8-10 glasses of water, cow’s milk, buttermilk, dal, and soups. Avoid tea as it may cause dehydration.

    

4. Drink digestive teas:

   Boil fennel seeds or dried mint leaves in water and drink these herbal teas after meals. They are great for the digestive system and help ease bloating, uneasiness and digestive discomfort.

    

5. Avoid fried foods:

   These foods are unhealthy and may even increase your blood sugar levels. You can have roasted chana and khakhra instead.

    

6. Have fruits:

   If you are following the evening fast or Choviar, you can’t consume food and water after sunset. This can be difficult for diabetics and can lead to a sudden fall in blood sugar levels. To avoid any health issues, eat fruits in the evening for your last meal of the day. Fruits like apple, papaya and pear are safe for diabetics and perfect for keeping blood sugar levels up till you consume your next meal post sunrise.

    

7. Eat breakfast on time:

   Breakfast is an important meal that will keep you energetic all day. So, make sure you do not skip breakfast.

8. Exercise:

   You can do lightweight workout or some mild exercises. Avoid rigorous workouts or anything that will make you feel weak.

Conclusion

Although Paryushan is the most important festival for Jains and fasting is an important ritual, do not overdo it if you are a diabetic. Also, if fasting causes stress and anxiety, you must avoid it.Paryushan is a time for internal reflection, Karma cleansing and spiritual growth. Hence, you can engage in prayers, meditation and satsangs instead of fasting and feeling too sick to participate in other activities.Also, make sure you take <a href =“https://www.hdfcergo.com/health-insurance/energy-diabetes-insurance-plan” health insurance for diabetics</a> if you don’t have one already. When you have this health plan, you can avail quality treatment for diabetic-related illnesses without worrying about massive medical bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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