Overview: A technological path to fasting with safety
As Yom Kippur approaches, many people with Type 1 diabetes face a difficult balance between religious observance and health. For years, both rabbis and physicians often advised against fasting due to the risk of dangerous drops in blood sugar or dangerous spikes. In recent years, however, a new level of safety and automation has emerged through Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G system. This hybrid closed‑loop insulin pump continuously monitors glucose and adjusts insulin delivery, offering a potential option for those who wish to observe the fast while maintaining metabolic control.
How the MiniMed 780G works
The MiniMed 780G integrates a continuous glucose monitor with an automated insulin delivery system. It uses a smart algorithm to interpret real‑time glucose data and automatically fine‑tunes basal insulin, reducing the need for manual injections. For many users, this means more stable glucose levels and fewer routine finger‑pricks, even during long fasting periods. The system operates around the clock, which can be especially meaningful on Shabbat, holidays, and days of fasting when daily routines shift.
Critically, the device is designed to maintain glucose within a target range by responding to changing needs. While it cannot replace all medical supervision, it can lessen the risk of sudden hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, provided the user adheres to medical instructions and remains adequately hydrated and monitored.
Religious and medical guidance: a combined approach
The question of fasting on Yom Kippur for those with Type 1 diabetes is not merely a medical one; it intersects halacha as well. To assist individuals and families, a halachic‑medical guide for fasting on Yom Kippur was prepared under the guidance of leading rabbinic authorities, including Rabbi Israel Meir Malka and the late Gaon Rabbi Asher Weiss. The document emphasizes personalized decision‑making: the same device configuration that enables safe fasting for one person may not be appropriate for another, depending on health status and religious obligations. It is essential to consult both a trusted rabbi and the treating physician before deciding whether to fast and under what conditions.
Medtronic and medical‑halachic experts stress that technology is a tool, not a universal exemption. Each individual should evaluate risks and benefits with their medical team and their halachic authority. In some cases, the guide may advise stopping the fast to prevent health complications, reinforcing that safety remains the priority.
Adoption in the community and practical considerations
In the Orthodox and Haredi communities, thousands of users have adopted the MiniMed 780G system as part of their approach to fasting and daily observance. Proponents report improved metabolic stability, fewer fluctuations in glucose, and greater confidence in maintaining religious duties without compromising health. Those considering adoption are urged to work closely with their healthcare provider to tailor settings, establish safe glucose targets, and plan for hydration and electrolyte management during the fast.
What to do next: steps for those considering fasting with 780G
If you are contemplating fasting on Yom Kippur with the MiniMed 780G or wish to learn more about how this technology can support your health and observance, you can contact a dedicated support line for information. A service representative will provide detailed guidance and connect you with appropriate clinical and halachic resources. For inquiries, please call 09-951-8370 and request a callback for personalized assistance.
Conclusion: technology, medicine, and tradition aligned
The MiniMed 780G represents more than a medical device; for many, it offers a pathway to observe Yom Kippur with greater safety and peace of mind. By combining advanced insulin delivery with continuous glucose monitoring, and by pairing this with careful halachic and medical guidance, individuals with Type 1 diabetes can approach the fast with a plan that respects both health and faith.
