Faith, Fasting, and Holistic Diabetes Care

As a religious person, I fast from time to time, especially when I seek divine guidance or help from God. And if you have fasted, you understand that deep sense of closeness to a Higher Power that often comes with it. Yet beyond its spiritual benefits, fasting can trigger natural healing and repair processes; and serve as a complement to modern medicine.

People who understand the science behind fasting have used it to help manage chronic conditions like diabetes. This isn’t superstition; it’s evidence-based. The International Diabetes Federation reports that eating within an 8-hour window or fasting for about 16 hours helps lower blood glucose levels and promote weight loss. In fact, before the discovery of insulin, fasting was one of the primary methods used to manage type 1 diabetes, and today it shows potential to reduce or reverse type 2 diabetes.

Research published by institutions such as the National Library of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and DiABETES UK, all of which agree with the efficacy of fasting in managing diabetes. So, while fasting for spiritual connection, it also provides profound physical benefits. For many, fasting has evolved from a faith-based ritual into a holistic lifestyle, one that shapes daily routines, eating habits, and overall health.

Within the Black community, fasting and prayer have long transcended mere spiritual discipline. Fasting provides an opportunity to strengthen self-control and mindfulness, which are now recognized as helping manage diabetes.

Fasting: A Spiritual Discipline with Physical Implications

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published “10 Surprising Things That Can Spike Your Blood Sugar,” many of which centered on what we eat. For centuries, Black religious practices have encouraged moderation, which aligns with healthy living.

In diabetes, faith-based practices like fasting can benefit the body and mind. Be it during Lent, Ramadan, or any other time, if done safely, fasting can encourage healthier eating patterns, foster a sense of peace, and reduce emotional stress, which has a direct link to blood sugar control.

Here is where faith and medical wisdom must meet:

Before fasting. Individuals with diabetes should consult their doctors to adjust medication schedules and insulin doses as needed
During fasting. It’s essential to stay well-hydrated and remain alert for any signs of low blood sugar
When breaking fast. Choose a balanced, nutrient-rich meal and avoid processed foods whenever possible

When we fast with our health in mind, it becomes more than an act of abstaining from food; it becomes a mindful act of honoring our body and spirit.

Faith, Food, and the Mind-Body Connection

According to Time Magazine, faith-based practices like prayer and meditation have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. The African Journal of Diabetes Medicine also affirms that stress can raise blood sugar; therefore, it is safe to say that spiritual coping mechanisms, such as prayer, meditation, and faith-based reflection, not only help our emotions but also stabilize glucose levels, since reduced stress levels may correspond to lower sugar levels.

When I fast, as many people do, it becomes an opportunity to pray, which is why we often say “Fasting and Prayer.” The two go hand in hand. Fasting, paired with prayer and studying sacred texts like the Bible, helps me find inner calm, strengthens my emotional resilience, and reduces my anxiety when I feel afraid and uncertain. Even if you don’t consider yourself religious, that’s perfectly okay. A period of deep meditation during a fast can still offer both spiritual and physical benefits. All these are crucial in managing diabetes.

However, I must point out something many of us do after fasting, including myself. We tend to overeat. Hunger tends to lead us to consider foods high in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. Ultimately, it will be like the cobra effect: we try to solve one problem, but the solution worsens it.

But with a bit of modification to our Black traditional meals, we can enjoy a spiritually meaningful mind while maintaining a reasonable blood glucose level. You’ll find these recommendations beneficial:

Northwest Clinic Day Surgical recommends breaking your fast with dates instead of other sugars, but they should be consumed in moderation. Then it can be followed by high-fiber foods to slow sugar absorption.
Wholey’s reports that baked fish, rather than fried fish, should be served when breaking the fast, as baked fish does not require additional oil and preserves omega-3 and vitamin D, which support heart and metabolic health.
Eating a fruit-based dessert or a low-glycemic grain can nourish the body and the soul.

The Role of Faith Communities in Diabetes Support

Black communities in the US have a huge role to play in creating an environment that encourages healthy living, most especially for those in our community affected with diabetes. Be they churches, mosques, temples, or even spiritual centers such as yoga studios and meditation spaces, each can serve as a hub for both spiritual renewal and health education. These settings often promote mindfulness, balance, and disciplined living, which are values that align closely with diabetes prevention and management. They can help do the following:

Educate: Conduct a special session to educate members on diabetes-friendly meals during and after fasting

Accountability: Encourage members to share progress, recipes, or tips for healthy living

Support: Create discussion groups for members and pray for them to help reduce isolation and stigma. Some support groups you can reach out to are: Diabetes Foundation Support Groups, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine’s National Diabetes Program, AACE Patient Support Groups, and Diversity in Diabetes’ Virtual Support Group.

Black people trust a large percentage of the info that comes through their spiritual spaces—churches, mosques, and temples. When such spaces are used to propagate healthy habits, we are likely to adopt them.

However, “faith without works is dead.” While we believe in the miracles of fasting in managing diabetes, Elevate Black Health recommends that we couple that spiritual conviction with informed care and responsibilities. Doing so will help us walk the path that honors divine purpose and personal health.