Hi all, I am new to the subreddit but not to fasting. However, I am somewhat recently diabetic (2021 a1c was 9ish, now around 7-8, not super bad), and am trying fasting for the first time while diabetic. My doctor recommended it about 6 weeks ago.
So far in the past several weeks of fasting, I have not tried to alter my diabetes meds, and so I also have not lost any weight. Most importantly, one of my medications is a sulfonylurea, which works by stimulating insulin secretion beyond what is already being generated naturally.
Currently I’m about 42 hours into a 48-hour fast. Last night I tried skipping the medication, as my glucose was around 90 and I didn’t want to lower it more. That went fine, then had some “dawn effect” in the morning but was still in normal range. Then I also did not take the sulfonylurea in the morning.
At about 36 hours into the fast, my glucose went back up to around 190. Not super dangerous, but high, and clearly since I haven’t eaten, it’s because I didn’t take the medication. I am really invested in increasing my time in normal glucose range, so I caved and took the medicine, and the bg went back down to normal where it has stayed.
This is frustrating because I can see I will never get anywhere as long as something is adding insulin into my system. So I guess my question is - how does this get better?
My thoughts are: 1 - maybe just keep trying to skip the dose when possible and hopefully be able to increase the frequency of that? Or 2 - just longer fasts? I thought I was “emptying the sugar bowl” completely these past weeks with frequent 36-72hr fasts, but maybe not?
Any other ideas from people with experience with insulin resistance? I am just at a loss for how to pull out of being stuck here, and it’s frustrating af to fast this much, this often, with almost no results.
Edit: just in case it was not clear, my doctor is leaving it up to me how often to take the drug, as my condition is not that severe.
If your doctor suggested it, I assume they are knowledgeable about it. I would ask them.
I don’t think anyone here would recommend not following your doctors orders. From what I have seen, as people lose weight and get their insulin in check, the doctor is able to lower your medications until you have returned to normal levels and no longer need it.
But, first result on google says
“Most sulfonylureas may not be used safely during Ramadan except with extreme caution; besides, older agents, such as chlorpropamide or glyburide, should not be used. Reduction of the dosage of sulfonylurea is needed depending on the degree of control prior to fasting.”
I would strongly suggest asking your doctor for directions, perhaps you don’t want to take it while you are fasting. IDK
I’m really interested in updates! It’s unfortunate your doctor isn’t more involved with dosage but maybe it’s not necessary. From what I understand you’ll need less and less medication until none at all. I hope you have lots of success. I’ve started mon-fri fasting and eating what I want on the weekend, but trying for leaner meals and that’s been good so far.