In the July issue of Today's Dietitian, we published an article titled Prayer and Fasting With Diabetes. If you're a person of faith who has diabetes or know someone of faith with the disease, this article is a must-read.
The American Diabetes Association reports that more than 23 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Seventy-nine million have prediabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which place them at high risk for developing the disease later in life. And each year, there are now 1.5 million people newly diagnosed with diabetes. African Americans are disproportionately affected by this disease and suffer more complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, neuropathy, and heart disease, than other races.
Given these statistics, you can surmise there are many people of faith with diabetes who set aside time to commune with God while abstaining from food, drink, or both. But the question is can they fast safely without putting their health at risk?
In this article, we discuss that fasting is practiced by the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths and how these practices differ from one another. We review how fasting can impact the health of those with diabetes and provide strategies for fasting safely. Please let me know your thoughts about the article. If you have diabetes or know someone who has the disease and fasts safely, I'd like to hear about your experiences and theirs. I hope you enjoy the article as much as I did in assigning and editing it.
* Linking up with Spiritual Sundays here.
Interesting post. The Greek Orthodox faith gives special dispensation from fasting to sick people and travellers. If diabetics wish to fast for religious reasons they should do so only under the advice and care of their health practitioners.
ReplyDeleteExcellent article. I had low blood sugar as a child and young adult. I struggled with fasting. I learned that there were ways to be healthy and still give up certain foods. Fasting is a blessing and a beautiful things happen when we honor God in this way.
ReplyDeleteThis is something everyone who has diabetes needs to consider when fasting. Thank you for sharing the information.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Fasting is one key to consider when having diabetes or any health problems but there are many considerations when doing fasting. Having faith in God can give us positive aura.
ReplyDeleteI've known someone who suffer diabetes and I hope she get well soon, only I can do for her is to pray to God and have faith that he will give my tita a years to live.. I need your prayer for TESSIE MILANO..
ReplyDeleteAs a person with diabetes, you can still fast. Do a Daniel fast. Continue to eat 5 meals per day simply only eat veggies and low glycemic fruits. This way, you can maintain your blood glucose levels and still make a sacrifice with your prayers.
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