Managing diabetes during Navratris with special focus on Durga pujas

Abstract

Fasting during festivals is a common practice across all religions, believed to be associated with spiritual well-being. No literature is available addressing the challenges associated with blood glucose control in patients with diabetes during the festivals of Navratri and Durga puja, which are associated with both culinary extravagances and ritualistic fasting. Fasting alternating with binge eating can result in severe metabolic alterations, increasing both morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Dietary restraint is central to ensuring adequate glycemic control during Navratris and Durga pujas. Ritualistic fasting and dietary changes should be avoided in patients with poorly controlled diabetes with multiple comorbidities. Sulfonylureas should be avoided in case of prolonged fasting. Fast should be broken whenever blood glucose is < 70mg/dl. Target blood glucose during fasting state is 100-200mg/dl. Increasing awareness among patients, highlighting the need to enjoy festivals responsibly, and promoting healthy diet habits and exercise have an important role in maintaining glycemic control during Navratri and Durga pujas.