Lucknow: Health experts have advised pregnant women and people with diabetes, blood pressure disorders, kidney or heart diseases to exercise caution before observing the sunrise-to-moonrise Karwa Chauth fast without food or water.They said individual health conditions, medication schedules and hydration requirements should be considered before fasting.Prof KK Sawlani of KGMU said diabetic patients, particularly those taking insulin or glucose-lowering medicines, could face dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar during prolonged fasting. He advised them to consult their treating physicians beforehand.Gynaecologist Prof Smriti Agarwal said: “Pregnant women should ideally avoid fasting, as adequate nutrition is essential for both their health and the healthy development of the foetus. Women with diabetes are already on modified diets and prolonged fasting can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low, posing risks to both the mother and the unborn child.”For Neha Sharma (28), name changed, who is expecting her first child, the festival presents a choice between observing a family tradition and prioritising her pregnancy.Concerns about remaining without food and water have prompted her to reconsider a strict fast.“I want to observe Karwa Chauth because it is an important tradition in our family, but my baby’s health comes first. I want a doctor’s opinion to decide how to participate in the rituals,” she said.Cardiologist Prof Bhuwan Chandra Tiwari of RMLIMS said dehydration could cause low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, particularly among patients taking BP medicines or diuretics. He cautioned against changing prescribed medication schedules without consulting a doctor.Experts also advised elderly people and those with anaemia, recurrent low blood sugar, chronic illnesses or a history of fainting to seek medical advice. Those at risk may participate in the rituals without observing a strict fast, they said.
