SCIENCE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
GLP-1 Medication Users Advised to Plan Ahead for Yom Kippur Fasting
WHY IT MATTERS
Diabetic patients taking GLP-1 medication and planning to fast for Yom Kippur should consult their doctor to discuss adjusting their insulin and medication doses to minimize the risk of low blood sugar and other complications.
What happened
Millions of people worldwide taking GLP-1 medication for diabetes or weight loss are advised to plan ahead for Yom Kippur fasting. Fasting can exacerbate common side effects of GLP-1 drugs, such as nausea and dehydration.
Patients should consult their doctor to determine the best approach for their specific situation. Those taking weekly injections should stick to their schedule, while daily injectors may need to adjust the timing of their doses.
Oral GLP-1 medications require careful planning, as taking them on an empty stomach may involve breaking the fast. Diabetic patients are at higher risk of complications and should discuss their options with their doctor.
PRIMARY SOURCES
If you’re on GLP-1 drugs and plan to fast for Yom Kippur, here’s what you need to know
The Conversation US · Reed Berger-Fleishman, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago · CC BY-ND; link/attribution intake only—no edited republication