Mean glucose levels were similar for the two different fasting periods, without a statistically significant difference. When the data were compared for daytime vs. nighttime, glucose levels were lower during the prolonged fast at night (139 mmol/L at 12 hours vs. 36 mmol/L at 12 hours). The variability in blood sugar levels was also lower during the 36 hr fast (27% for the 12-hour fast vs. 16% for the 36-hour fast).

Hypoglycemia (defined by glucose levels below 70 mg/ dL) was similar for both lengths of fast. Additionally, 59% of the hypoglycemic episodes required supplemental carbohydrates during the 12-hour fast, and 71% required supplemental carbohydrates during the 36-hour fast. The participants who were taking higher doses of insulin had a significant increase in the number of hypoglycemic events compared to those taking lower doses of insulin during the 36-hour fast but not the 12-hour fast. There were no significant differences in OGTT results between the two lengths of fasts. These results suggest that people with type I diabetes can safely perform a 36-hour fast with low risk of hypoglycemia.

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