Gestational Diabetes on Yom Kippur
18 September, 2023
Question:I will be 33 weeks pregnant on Yom Kippur and have Gestational Diabetes. I am wondering whether I should be fasting, do shiurim, or eat as needed considering I have diabetes. My diabetes has been well controlled with diet modifications and no insulin.
I look forward to your response.
Answer:B’sha’ah tovah!
In general, healthy pregnant women are required to fast on Yom Kippur. However, your gestational diabetes may make it dangerous for you to fast.
In this type of situation, it is best to discuss with your doctor if you can attempt the fast, if it is sufficient for you to eat and drink in shiurim from the start of the fast, or if you need to eat and drink normally. (See our article on fasting on Yom Kippur for more details about shiurim.) Then you should get back to us or a local halachic authority with that information.
Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.
Gmar chatimah tovah!
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