Fasting Safely with Type 1 Diabetes: A Teen's Guide

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face significant challenges when fasting for extended periods. A recent study examined the effectiveness of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems during a 25-hour fast, such as those observed during Yom Kippur. The goal was to determine if these systems could maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or high ketone levels.

Study Details

• Participants: 54 teens and young adults with T1D.
• AID Systems Used:
• MiniMed 780G
• Control-IQ
• Open-source systems
• Settings:
• Some adjusted settings (e.g., higher blood sugar target, sleep mode).
• Others kept default settings.

After the fast, researchers compared blood sugar and insulin levels to those after a regular overnight fast.

Key Findings

• Safety: All participants completed the fast safely.
• Blood Sugar Control:
• Time in target range increased from 71.6% to 82%.
• Mild hypoglycemia occurred in a few cases, mostly after the pre-fast meal.
• Insulin Usage:
• Participants used 43% of their usual insulin dose during the fast.
• Those using less than 30% of their usual dose had higher ketone levels at the end.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that AID systems can help people with T1D fast safely. However, individual differences matter:

• Some may need to adjust settings.
• Others may not require changes.

Always consult a doctor before making significant adjustments to diabetes management.