The festival of Navaratri is important not only to devotees but also for healthcare providers and patients regarding the correct food habits and diets during the nine-day fasting period.
Diabetic patients can freely consume milk products, fresh fruit juice without added sugars, or whole fruits during the day. They can end the fast with sabudana kheer or sabudana khichdi.
Another ingredient to avoid is processed salt: Use only rock salt while preparing food. Avoid wheat flour, maida (refined flour), and rava (a durum-wheat product).
Many medicines like insulin and anti-diabetic tablets work for a minimum of three to six hours. Talking to your doctor about your fasting plans could be of life-saving importance.
If the doctor advises against fasting during this festival, take their advice while you follow all other rituals like not cutting your nails or avoiding smoking, drinking, and more.
Being aware of the complications that can occur during any fasting festival is the most important part of making an informed decision before deciding to observe a fasting prayer.
It is also important to listen to doctors when they say that certain patients cannot observe or follow the nine-day fast as their medical condition could become severe or life-threatening.
The most important life-saving tip to follow is to keep yourself hydrated. Be prepared and keep yourself updated with knowledge about your medical conditions and medicine.