Ramadan fasting tips for diabetics

One of the most important things prior to Ramadan is to consult your diabetologist or physician and get checked in order to assess your fitness and sugar levels. In most cases, the diabetic patient’s medication and dosage have to be changed during Ramadan

By SUMAIRA FATIMA

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an obligatory duty for all healthy Muslims. When we fast, our body uses the stored carbohydrates from liver, muscle and fat to provide energy when all the calories from food are consumed. Diabetic patients who wish to avoid complications during fasting should take note of certain things.

One of the most important things prior to Ramadan is to consult your diabetologist or physician and get checked in order to assess your fitness and sugar levels. In most cases, the diabetic patient’s medication and dosage have to be changed during Ramadan because of long duration of fasting.

Include whole grains and cereals of your choice during suhoor to have a comfortable long day. Do not eat your suhoor meal post taraweeh and sleep. Heavy meals post taraweeh causes discomfort, lack of sleep and drastic fluctuations in sugar levels. The right way to fast is to eat early (predawn) before Fajr first prayers.

Break your fast with dates which is Sunnah and is also a source of energy, minerals and fibre but do not consume more than three. Dates turn into glucose so monitor your intake.

Do not get carried away by mouth-watering savouries made of refined white flour which causes sugar spikes and weight gain. Choose healthier cooking methods and avoid deep frying.

Make your Iftar simple and nourishing. A light meal comprising dates, fruits with a bowl of porridge or sandwich with lean meat or sprouts can complete the meal. Choosing deep fried and junk foods at Iftar can cause gastritis with bloating and belching making your fast uncomfortable.

Include dairy products like milk, laban, yoghurt or vegetable soups during post taraweeh hours where many people tend to feel tired and thirsty. Hydrate yourself with more of water, lemon and mint juice to avoid headache which are common due to dehydration. Avoid fruit juices with added sugars and carbonated drinks as it impacts sugar levels badly.

Be consistent with the dose of medication advised by your doctor and monitor your glucose levels at various times of the day.

Keep yourself aware of hypoglycemia (low sugar) symptoms like trembling, headache, palpitations, blurred vision and unconsciousness. If you experience such symptoms check your sugar level immediately, if it is less than 70mg/dl or 4 mmol/L, consume fast acting sugars like 120 ml juice or 3-4 dates.

Checking sugar levels during the day with glucometer does not break the fast. Injecting insulin does not break the fast. Oral medications need to be taken only during non-fasting hours that is from Iftar till suhoor.

Always remember a healthy diet makes you fast, comfortable and helps you focus well on your prayers and worship.

(The writer is the dietitian and diabetic educator at IMC - Apollo Sugar.)