It is very common for people with various medical conditions to do IF. People with diabetes may be on multiple oral medicines or insulin when planning to fast. People with heart disease may be on various drugs to control their blood pressure and heart health and to prevent blood clotting. They must discuss this with their physicians before starting IF.
The general principles are as follows:
- People with type 1 diabetes should observe IF only with caution. They should be fully aware of the actions of insulin, risks of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, and collaborate with their doctor for the same.
- People with type 2 diabetes on medicines that do not produce low glucose can observe IF. However, they should discuss the spacing of medicines in relation to their food and fasting time.
- People with type 2 diabetes on insulin or other agents that reduce blood glucose should consider dose adjustments of their medicines during IF.
- Certain medicines like statins, aspirin, and medicines for heart health (like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and SGLT2 blockers) may be required irrespective of weight loss. The safety of IF in people with compromised heart function is not known.
- When people lose weight, the dose of blood pressure medicines may require a change. Hence, discuss with your health care provider before trying IF and start only after getting the concurrence of the doctor and dietician.
Dr. Deepa G, MHSc (Diab), Dip (Diab)