Can People With Diabetes And High Blood Pressure Safely Observe Karwa Chauth Fast, Experts Explain

Lifestyle News: This year, the holy festival of Karva Chauth will be celebrated on October 10th. During this time, married women observe a waterless fast for the long life of their husbands. They adorn themselves with sixteen adornments. They drink water or eat only after the Karva Chauth Katha (recital story) in the afternoon and the moon worship at night. Staying hungry and thirsty all day can be challenging for those with certain medical conditions. This can lead to health problems. For example, you may have heard that every diabetic patient is advised to eat something healthy every two to three hours.

Similarly, it is said that if high blood pressure patients remain hungry for long periods, their blood pressure may increase. This raises the question of whether people with diabetes and high blood pressure should observe the Karva Chauth fast. Let's find out what experts say about this and what precautions should be taken.

Know the expert's opinion

Dr. Saket Kant, Senior Consultant Endocrinology at Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, said that patients with diabetes or high blood pressure should be very cautious before fasting for long periods of time, such as on Karva Chauth. Prolonged fasting can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, leading to dizziness, weakness, confusion, or fainting. The risk of hypoglycemia is especially high in those taking insulin or sugar-control medications.

Karwa Chauth 2025 Fasting for Diabetes

Karwa Chauth fasting in 2025

Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance in high blood pressure patients can lead to headaches, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Therefore, these individuals should discuss their health conditions with their doctor before fasting. If their blood pressure or sugar is under control, they can fast for a limited period of time. However, they should continue to drink water or sugar-free liquids during this time. If they experience any weakness, tremors, or dizziness, they should immediately break their fast.

Keep these things in mind

If your sugar and blood pressure are balanced and you're fasting, make sure to eat healthy foods during your Sargi, which will provide energy for the entire day and keep your body hydrated. If possible, start drinking water after listening to the Katha. Avoid eating oily, sweet, or spicy foods immediately after breaking the fast. Also, if you experience headaches, dizziness, weakness, or any other discomfort, break your fast. Avoid strenuous work or workouts. Rest as much as possible. Enlist the help of other family members for household chores.