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Ramadan & Diabetes

Ramadan & Diabetes

Ramadan & Diabetes

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of ISLAM.It is challenging for patients with diabetes however it is possible to fast safely by following the advices from their doctors and with self discipline. People with diabetes who are only on dietary management can fast safely, but those on medi-cations need to consult the doctor and adjust the medica-tions as per the doctor’s advice. Have a complete check up before deciding to fast during Ramadan.

If you have diabetes and decided to fast during Ramadan, kindly ensure the following:

  • Consult your doctor and make certain modification in your regimen and take your medications as prescribed.
  • Avoid overeating at Suhoor or lftar and also maintain a balanced diet
  • Do not skip meals (Suhoor and lftar).

The following groups are at an increased risk while fasting during Ramadan:

  • Type 1 and Type 2 DM with frequent hypoglycemia.
  • Pregnant women with diabetes mellitus who are on in-sulin.
  • Acute illness like fever, vomiting and diarrhoea which can affect blood sugar.
  • People with diabetes complications.

How to fast safely during Ramadan

  • Drink as much water and sugarfree drinks as possible after iftar
  • Include slow energy release foods (low glycemic) index like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, len-tils, whole meal flour, basmati rice etc ... in moderation and fiber rich foods like bran grains, vegetables, fruits with skin, dry fruits especially figs, prunes, apricots etc ...
  • Limit or avoid sweet foods, fatty and fried foods at lf-tar.
  • Check your blood glucose level very often. This is espe-cially critical in people who require insulin.
  • n general you will require less insulin before the start of the fast (Suhoor).
  • Check your blood sugar regularly before Suhoor each day. When blood sugar is between 80-130 mg/dl ( 4.4-7.2 mmol/L), you can fast safely.
  • Excessive physical activity may lead to higher risk of hypoglycaemia and therefore should be avoided but remember to continue your regular physical activities after breaking the fast.

Break the fast for the following reasons:

  • If blood glucose levels drop dramatically to 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/L) or lower.
  • If blood glucose reaches 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/L) in the first few hours after the start of the fast, for patients on insulin, sulfonylureas like amaryl, diamicron and novonorm.
  • If blood glucose levels rise excessively 300 mg/dl (16.5 mmol/L) and above.