If you’re considering doing the Daniel Fast and you have diabetes, you probably have questions. Lots of them. In this blog post, I’ll address many of people’s common concerns. Also, be sure to listen to the podcast I did with Davis Knight of Diabetic SAVVY as you prepare to set out on this adventure known as the Daniel Fast.
What is the Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast, which means that you eat some foods while restricting others. The fast is typically 21 days and the purpose is to devote time to the Lord in prayer. Participating in the Daniel Fast if often a life-changing experience. Many people experience transformation spiritually and physically. (Although some people do lose weight as they make healthier food choices on this fast, it is not a diet.)
You may be wondering, Where did the Daniel Fast originate? Well, with the prophet Daniel, of course. The Bible gives us some insight (such as in Dan. 10:3) into what Daniel ate and didn’t eat; however, we don’t know his complete menu. On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting:
“At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips (Dan. 10:2-3).
Most commentaries believe “choice food” would have been bread and sweets. The Message paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”
You’ll find some variation in the specific guidelines for the modern-day Daniel Fast, as far as what foods are included and which ones are restricted. The intention of the modern-day Daniel Fast is not to duplicate exactly what Daniel did but the spirit in which he did it. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to hunger and thirst more for spiritual food than for physical food, which should be the desire of anyone choosing to participate in this type of fast.
Some people have a tendency to get too focused on the food portion of the fast. However, the guidelines are given to help you form boundaries, not to push you into legalism. Your fast may look a little different than someone else’s, and that’s fine. The most important part of the Daniel Fast is that you deny yourself physically so that you may seek the Lord in prayer and grow closer to Him.
Is it safe for me to do the Daniel Fast as a diabetic?
The Daniel Fast is an extremely healthy way of eating, and many people with diabetes have done the fast with success. One of the benefits of fast is the regular intake of nutrient-dense foods, which keeps your blood sugar stable. However, you’re certainly free to modify the fast if you need to do so according to the specific needs of your body. I would recommend focusing on low-glycemic foods (Daniel Fast friendly ones, of course) and avoiding foods that are problematic. If you have concerns about specific foods, consult a nutritionist or doctor.
What foods can I have?
The best part about the Daniel Fast is that you can eat, unlike a water or liquid fast. For a list of foods that are Daniel Fast friendly and those foods that should be avoided, see my Daniel Fast Food List.
Will I get enough protein?
Animal products aren’t the only foods that contain high amounts of protein. Beans, lentils, quinoa, nuts, seeds, asparagus, broccoli, kale, spinach, and sprouts are good sources of this important nutrient as well. Another option is to use plant-based protein powder on your Daniel Fast. (Remember, since animal products aren’t allowed, protein powder that contains whey is not acceptable.)
Can I take my medication?
Yes, you should continue taking your medicine as prescribed. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your physician.
Is it OK to modify the food guidelines?
You don’t have to follow the food guidelines exactly to get the physical and spiritual benefits of the fast. God will honor whatever sacrifices you can make.
Do you have testimonies from diabetics who have done the Daniel Fast successfully?
I sure do! Below are three testimonies from individuals who experienced physical and spiritual transformation as a result of their three-week journey.
“I saw my blood sugar drop to normal. It had been running in the 170s in AM, (90-120 is normal, 120-140 for diabetics). While I was on the Daniel Fast, my blood sugar was in the 130-140 range. Praise God! This happened two years ago as well!” – Alice (2021)
“My insulin was cut in half. Fasting blood sugar was in 120s. Afternoon blood sugars 80s to 90s. I also lost 23 pounds, four inches in my waist and five in my hips. The swelling in my liver and stomach has gone down. I still have a long way to go on my journey. However, I am happy with my results and the closeness it has brought with me and the Lord.” – Cynthia (2021)
“This was the first time my girlfriend Ruth and I did the Daniel Fast, and it was amazing. I was diagnosed as a diabetic in 2013. My blood sugar stays in the range of 200-340 the majority of the time. During the fast, it was around 200. After the 21 days, my blood sugar has been 122-140!” – Guain (2016)
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You’ll also want to take advantage of my free daily videos and prayer points for your fast.
I am a type 1 diabetic insulin controlled. I did the Daniel Fast and have been trying not always successfully to maintain a healthy way of eating, but I can honestly say that I have had the lowest blood sugar readings EVER! and have never felt better. I would thoroughly recommend doing a Daniel Fast, and the anointing of the Spirit on my prayer life and my life in general has increased greatly. Go on do this, it is life changing.
Angela, thank you so much for your comments and encouragement. Your feedback will help others!