A recent study confirms that people with type 1 diabetes can participate safely in prolonged fasts. Fasting is common in several religions. This study evaluated the safety for individuals with type 1 diabetes and to identify factors associated with success.

Patients intending to fast were instructed on insulin dose adjustments, frequent glucose monitoring and when to terminate the fast. The study included 56 subjects who intended to fast -- 37 successfully completed the study. Individuals terminated their fast in the presence of either hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Overall, adherence to the protocol was high.

Successful fasters had greater reductions in insulin dosage and higher HbA1c levels. There were no differences between individuals taking intermittent insulin injections and those with continuous infusion pumps. There were no serious side-effects of fasting. Results concluded that type 1 diabetics can successfully participate in a fast provided they reduce their usual insulin dose significantly and adhere to guidelines regarding glucose monitoring and indications for terminating the fast.