The fast with diabetes

[GreekOrthodox]

Last May I was diagnosed with diabetes and I just realized that a lot of the fasting foods are high in carbs. I know this is an "Ask Your Priest" question, and I'll talk to him this morning, but does anyone else have suggestions?

Have a blessed Meatfare Sunday!
Brian

 

[ArmyMatt]

I think you answered your own question.

blessed Fast to you as well!

 

[Antony in Tx]

What if a priest openly scoffs at diabetics having issues with fasting during announcements and in Wed evening talks. Not sure I'd be comfortable talking to that priest about being diabetic and fasting.

 

[-Kyriaki-]

Army Matt, if you're worried about that talk to your doctor, get your doctor's advice, then take that to your priest. Most priests will always listen to a doctor's advice.

I think there are ways to make fasting food less high in carbs, but it might be difficult, or require cooking foods you don't normally make much. Talk to a priest

 

[Gregorios]

Speak with your spiritual Father about it. He can suggest something in place of the food fast since you are unable to do so. By the way, fasting when ill IS A SIN! It's absolutely forbidden to do so by the Church, so do not fall into that trap. Also, let us remember Lent is about repentance and prayer, not just a diet lol though it is easy to just think about what we can and cannot eat, especially for me .

 

[seamstress Susanna]

I know it's late in the fast, but I've only just found this community.

Being the wife of a newly diagnosed diabetic who is also allergic to shellfish, I'm constantly on the lookout for "fasting friendly" foods for us both. It's NOT easy! I have found several of the recipes on stjuliannasisterhood.blogspot.com has several basic recipes we can use as a starting point for our meals. I also use many of the suggestions on Wheat, Wine, and Oil - Ancient Faith Radio She has some great suggestions and ideas.
Hope it helps! Blessed (remainder of the) Fast!

 

[seamstress Susanna]

.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Army Matt, if you're worried about that talk to your doctor, get your doctor's advice, then take that to your priest. Most priests will always listen to a doctor's advice.

I think there are ways to make fasting food less high in carbs, but it might be difficult, or require cooking foods you don't normally make much. Talk to a priest

huh? I have no health problems that keep me from doing the Fast.

 

[-Kyriaki-]

Urgh, I just came back and realised that I'd named the wrong person. I meant Antony, I must have combined your two posts somehow in my head.

 

[nutroll]

I am a type II diabetic, but don't have too much problem with fasting. I eat a lot of dried fruits, nuts, brown rice and various beans and lentils. I am not severely diabetic, so I don't keep track of my glucose levels on a daily basis, but I haven't really felt the sugar spikes that I can sometimes feel. I think part of what helps is that I am eating less food, so even though it tends to be a little more carb-centered, it is not as big a spike as if I was gorging myself on the same food. I think the proteins and fats help a lot as well. I wouldn't tend to go without oil unless your priest was insistent. Oils and fats in general help us feel full more quickly, give us more lasting energy, and keep our metabolism up so that we don't get as caught up in the sugar spikes and crashes.

 

[Dorothea]

What if a priest openly scoffs at diabetics having issues with fasting during announcements and in Wed evening talks. Not sure I'd be comfortable talking to that priest about being diabetic and fasting.

I have the opposite. You need to speak to your priest about a modified diet because of your blood sugar. I eat dairy and fish during the fast. I stay away from the other meats though to try and honor the fast.

 

[katherine2001]

I have the opposite. You need to speak to your priest about a modified diet because of your blood sugar. I eat dairy and fish during the fast. I stay away from the other meats though to try and honor the fast.

I do the same because of my depression. I cannot eat lentils (they make me throw up), and if I don't get enough protein, I end up in a dark, dark place. Therefore, I eat dairy and fish to keep my protein levels up so that I don't go into deep depression.

 

[Dorothea]

I do the same because of my depression. I cannot eat lentils (they make me throw up), and if I don't get enough protein, I end up in a dark, dark place. Therefore, I eat dairy and fish to keep my protein levels up so that I don't go into deep depression.

I did not know that certain foods can cause depression! :o That's interesting to know, Katherine. What types of foods cause depression?

 

[Dorothea]

Last May I was diagnosed with diabetes and I just realized that a lot of the fasting foods are high in carbs. I know this is an "Ask Your Priest" question, and I'll talk to him this morning, but does anyone else have suggestions?

Have a blessed Meatfare Sunday!
Brian

It seems I quoted a different person's quote, but with the same health issues as you. I would suggest you eat some fish and dairy to help you out (even it out through these proteins). Of course, yes, you will have to talk to your priest about that.

 

[katherine2001]

It isn't that certain foods cause depression, but at least in my case not getting enough protein will trigger it. Maybe it has something to do with chemicals in the brain. I just know that when I am not getting enough protein, I will go into depression. If you can't eat beans and other lentils, it is hard to get enough protein on the fast.

 

[Dorothea]

It isn't that certain foods cause depression, but at least in my case not getting enough protein will trigger it. Maybe it has something to do with chemicals in the brain. I just know that when I am not getting enough protein, I will go into depression. If you can't eat beans and other lentils, it is hard to get enough protein on the fast.

Yes, I can understand that. I have a bit of anxiety (not needed to control with meds ever since I was first pregnant with my first son, thank God) and a bit of panic attacks that I have to take meds for about 10 times a year...not too often, and that's half the dose. lol) And if I'm stressed out really badly, it affects my low blood sugar, and triggers my panic and anxiety. It's like it's all connected.