Last month I started fasting (hey, it was Lent) in durations lasting from 24 hours to 4 and a half days. While my primary motivation was to reduce my insulin resistance and be better able to manage my diabetes, I did note an increased sense of calm and empathy for others, plus a mild euphoria. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about 11 years ago. Since it is a progressive disease, oral medications are not working very effectively for me anymore, and the doctor recommended starting insulin injections. Due to a pretty active lifestyle (cycling, flyfishing, hunting, mountaineering), insulin, with its rollercoaster highs and lows, was not an appealing option.
The fasts last month totalled about fifteen days. On fasts lasting more than two days, I started seeing improvements in my blood sugar readings. Plus I saved a lot of money and I imagine my carbon footprint was drastically reduced.
My fasts allow only water, tea, coffee (with tiny amounts of cream) and broth. I did lose some weight, and most of my clothes fit a bit looser. Blood sugar readings seemed improved, even after I stopped fasting. The true test will be my next A1c.
For April, I am planning on fasting the whole month, with maybe four meals (mostly for social events). Why am I not dying right away? After a few days of no food, you start burning ketones - last years burritos, snacks, beer etc etc that are stored as body fat.
Fasting seems to be a bit faddish now, but the best resource I’ve found is Dr Jason Fung’s book, “The Obesity Code.” Dr Fung is a real medical doctor, a nephrologist practicing in Toronto. Consult your own doctor before attempting an extended fast.
I’ll post a diary in early May about the results.