Intermittent Fasting as a Diabetic: My First Experience with the 16:8 Method

I have absolutely amazed myself. Last night, I tried the 16:8 intermittent fasting technique for the very first time, and I’m still sitting in the middle of the fasting window as I write this, with about 30 minutes to go before I break my fast. It’s been an interesting experience, and as a diabetic, I wanted to see how my body would respond, how I would feel, and if I needed to make any adjustments along the way.

Let me be honest—I haven’t been following my diabetic diet as strictly as I should have. Yes, I know, I’ve slipped up, but this fasting experience has led me back to that place of self-reflection, pushing me to look at my health and habits from a fresh perspective.

One thing I knew for sure was that I needed a shift. Not just a shift in diet but in mindset. I wanted to clear my mind of the constant stress about finding a job and figuring out how to pay my bills. I needed to focus on something more positive, so I shifted my energy and believed that everything was taken care of. I even thought about quantum leaping into a job I truly love. Fast forward, here I am, sipping on Green Tetley Tea with Vitamin C—my new go-to drink during my fasting hours.

Now, about my fasting schedule: instead of the typical 12pm-8pm eating window, I decided to experiment with a 7am to 3pm eating window. It’s been an interesting ride so far.

Day One: The First Challenges

Last night, I was still getting the hang of everything. I’ll admit, I became a little obsessed with airplane vlogs and food expeditions. There I was, watching people eat caviar, unimpressed, until they showed off clotted cream and scones. I couldn’t help it—I watched this part over and over again. At that point, I realized that my mind was already associating food with pleasure, and this was going to be a mental battle.

I took an afternoon nap, from around 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and woke up realizing that I had to go the rest of the day without food. I fed my puppy, did some light chores, and then had my tea. Here's where I got a little rebellious: they say not to add milk or sweeteners during fasting, but I couldn’t bring myself to have a cup of tea without milk. So I added a splash of milk and a sweetener. I did my best to resist, but it just didn’t feel right to skip it.

Later that night, my husband came home from work, and I had a cup of coffee with him. I was really proud of myself for not reaching for that slice of cake on the counter. I knew it was just a habit, and I was determined not to give in.

But then, the strange part happened. Around midnight, I started feeling aches and pains. I realized that this could be due to my body releasing toxins as I detoxed from sugar. I went to the restroom several times last night, probably to expel the excess sugar that my body was trying to get rid of. Despite that, my body was still craving snacks, but I pushed through.

One negative aspect: I didn’t sleep until about 3 am. I was restless—mostly because I was so used to snacking late at night, and my mind wasn’t ready for the quiet. I’m guessing this will improve as my body gets more accustomed to the fasting routine.

My sugar monitor reading at midnight was 10.6 (in SA), which was still quite high. When I checked again, it was 10.4, but it’s important to note that I missed my second round of metformin. That probably played a role in the higher reading.

From my previous experience with the keto diet, I know that it takes a while for my body to adjust, so I’m not too concerned just yet.

The Positive Shift

Here’s the silver lining: this morning, even though I’m a bit tired, my mind feels incredibly fresh. I’m more alert than I’ve been in days, and that mental clarity is definitely a win. It’s amazing how much more clear-headed I feel despite the lack of sleep.

So here’s to Day Two of my intermittent fasting journey. I’m learning how to listen to my body, how to embrace the fast, and how to push through those moments of weakness. It’s a work in progress, but I’m committed to seeing this through and discovering just how far I can go.

If you’re a diabetic or anyone considering intermittent fasting, remember that everyone’s body is different. What works for one person might not work for another. It’s about experimentation, being kind to yourself, and staying open to the journey.

Let’s see where this takes me!

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