• Guest, the forum is undergoing some upgrades and so the usual themes will be unavailable for a few days. In the meantime, you can use the forum like normal. We'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

T1 and prolonged 16:8 fasting - risks?

slaxxfb

slaxxfb

Active Member
hi y'all. here to ask about fasting again, question as per post title.

i've been practicing the 16:8 for possibly a total of 2wks now, not consecutive days. i've studied this intensively for a month, both fasting and my own metabolism. i've established my basal rate and ICR too.
so i just came back from my endocrinologist and, to cut things short, she wanted me to stop, not even reading my complete record of BSLs, food intake and observations. but she didn't exactly explain why, except to say there's a large risk of hypo. (but i know that that could happen IF my insulin units are out of whack, which they are not, as easily seen from my readings.)
our consultation ended with her telling me to continue if i want, but to limit it to only 12hrs.
i've searched online but medical articles mostly just point the same thing, and personal articles only ever give praise to fasting, so i'm hoping to get some more in-depth explanations to the why's and why not's of fasting for T1s. expert and/or personal opinions welcome. TIA!
 
I normally eat dinner at 7 and skip breakfast (drink coffee though) so fasting 16hours. When you skip a meal you don't bolus so I don't see why skipping a meal means a large risk of hypo. I would think if anything it means safer.
 
Likewise. Most days I don't have breakfast so will go from 1900ish to 1300ish without eating. Doesn't seem to bother my endocrinologist. So long as you have your basal and ratios sorted I can't see it being a problem. Sometimes it's seems a shame to eat and spoil a lovely flat line on the Libre.
 
michita said:
I normally eat dinner at 7 and skip breakfast (drink coffee though) so fasting 16hours. When you skip a meal you don't bolus so I don't see why skipping a meal means a large risk of hypo. I would think if anything it means safer.
Click to expand...
eventhorizon said:
Likewise. Most days I don't have breakfast so will go from 1900ish to 1300ish without eating. Doesn't seem to bother my endocrinologist. So long as you have your basal and ratios sorted I can't see it being a problem. Sometimes it's seems a shame to eat and spoil a lovely flat line on the Libre.
Click to expand...
same here. i finish dinner at 8pm and break the fast with lunch at 12nn the next day. Lantus at 9am regularly, no bolus. i absolutely love how smooth my BSLs are, so surprised with my endo's reaction.

edit: by the by, how long have you both been fasting? no breaks?
 
Last edited:
kokhongw said:
Are you trying to lose weight or just looking for better glucose control?
Click to expand...
mostly for better glucose control, a tiny bit for weight maintenance. i mainly want to stick to a certain (albeit rough) cal count so i could stay within my BMI range. my range is 118-125 pounds, and i started when i was at 125, now im at my ideal 121. i intend to keep it there.
 
slaxxfb said:
same here. i finish dinner at 8pm and break the fast with lunch at 12nn the next day. Lantus at 9am regularly, no bolus. i absolutely love how smooth my BSLs are, so surprised with my endo's reaction.

edit: by the by, how long have you both been fasting? no breaks?
Click to expand...

Maybe around 2 years, no problem. I make sure I'm getting enough calories from other meals to maintain weight
 
I've hesitated to join in here as I only know a little about Type 1 but I would say @slaxxfb that is it works for you then carry on. Your Endo sounds a bit "old school" and is fearful of fasting without really any cause. Its a tool I use every day doing a similar 16:8 protocol to you as well as a few extended fasts. Obviously you are monitoring your blood sugar levels so are on top of what is going on. Just in case you needed some extra support.
 
Thank you, much appreciated @bulkbiker kinda disconcerting to have to decide between following what seems good for me, or following an expert's advice. Not to say she's not good (she really is) but this time i feel i might be more aware of what's happening to me. Thanks again
 
Back
Top