Nestle, IJN welcome Ramadan with simple guide on diabetes
KUALA LUMPUR: Nestle Health Science in collaboration with Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) have released a special educational guide to support those with diabetes to fast with confidence and take charge of their blood sugar level during Ramadan.
Emilyn Loo, business executive officer, Nestle Health Science, jointly launched the specially commissioned booklet, titled Nutren Untuk Diabetik Diabetes Management Guide & Simply Delicious Ramadan Recipes at Institut Jantung Negara during an exclusive media workshop led by Mary Easaw, senior manager, Dietetics & Food Services, Institut Jantung Negara, and Siti Farhath, deputy manager, Dietetics & Food Services, Institut Jantung Negara.
“Nestle Health Science is proud to be working in partnership with Institut Jantung Negara to provide practical solutions and education that embrace safe fasting practices for those living with diabetes.
“As a key stakeholder in diabetes care, we always aim to instill confidence and support people with diabetes to lead healthier lives. NUTREN UNTUK DIABETIK, our innovative and complete nutritional supplement for people with diabetes echoes that commitment.
“Today, Mary has shown the product’s versatility by preparing some delicious Ramadan dishes suitable for those living with diabetes,” remarked . Emilyn Loo.
She continued, “Contrary to popular belief, fasting is safe for the majority of people living with Type 2 diabetes. However, there are potential health challenges if you are in the high-risk diabetes category.
We hope to bring to light these issues and provide solutions that will enable safe fasting through the timely release of the NUTREN UNTUK DIABETIK Diabetes Management Guide & Simply Delicious Ramadan Recipe booklet.”
According to Siti Farhath, diabetic patients in the high risk category including the elderly, pregnant mothers, and those who perform intense physical labour, are more vulnerable to spikes in blood sugar levels, and are at a higher risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and dehydration when fasting.
There is also an increased likelihood of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), during the pre-dawn meal of Sahur, and at Iftar when fast is broken.
“Sahur is important and should never be skipped. It can be taken as late as possible just before Iak (dawn), and should consist of a balanced meal with adequate carbohydrates. Similarly, one should always break fast on time, and have sufficient fluid intake to replenish losses during the day,” advised Siti Farhath.
She added, “Patients should always discuss their diabetes food management plan with their healthcare professional prior to fasting.
Failing to take such action, may lead to poorly managed blood sugar levels and uncontrolled diabetes.
People taking medication to lower their blood sugar should consult their doctor or diabetes educator about fasting safely and what precautions should be taken to prevent blood sugar levels from spiking or dipping.”
Mary Easaw, raised the roof with an inspiring Simply Delicious Ramadan cooking demo.
While cooking up a storm, Mary shared, “Limit your intake of fried or fatty foods, and foods that are high in salt and sugar as this will cause unwanted blood sugar. However, one to two dates (kurma) at the start of Iftar may be taken.
If you traditionally skip Sahur or cannot stomach anything heavy so early in the morning, choose an alternative to provide the long satiety needed.
For a quick and easy solution, prepare a nutritious milkshake or smoothie, seal it and refrigerate before you go to bed, and enjoy it in the morning.”
The NUTREN UNTUK DIABETIK Diabetes Management Guide & Simply Delicious Ramadan Recipes is the perfect companion to support those with diabetes make informed lifestyle choices during Ramadan.
It is an indispensable guide containing practical tips on healthy eating, best practices for fasting, and it features eight delicious ‘diabetes friendly’ recipes specially curated by Institut Jantung Negara’s Dietetics and Food Services Department.
Look out for quick and easy-to-prepare meals such as Yogurt Curry Marinated Fish, Morning Buzz Coffee Smoothie, Bubur Lambuk, and Cauliflower Tikka Masala, all using Nestle Health Sciences’ complete and balanced nutritional beverage for people with diabetes, NUTREN UNTUK DIABETIK.
The Simply Delicious Ramadan Recipes and Diabetes Management Guide is now available online at www. nestlehealthscience.my.