Fasting and type 1 diabetes
For patients required to fast before a medical procedure, see Glycaemic management while fasting.
Patients with type 1 diabetes may choose to fast for religious purposes (eg Ramadan) even though they are exempt from fasting and it is recommended that they do not fast. Blood glucose concentrations can be variable and unpredictable due to the contrast of fasting and feasting involved in some religious observances.
Patients who choose to fast should seek advice from their endocrinologist or multidisciplinary diabetes team because they are considered at very high risk of developing complications when fasting. Practical guidelines for Ramadan fasting for patients with diabetes, including stratification of patient risk levels, have been published by the International Diabetes Federation1.