Diiettarry ttiips fforr diiabettiics

WHILE the Qur’an specifically exempts people with a medical condition from the duty of fasting during Ramadaan, many diabetics still choose to fast.

Dr Aneesa Sheik, a medical director at Lilly South Africa, advises how diabetics can fast with a controlled diet.

“The lack of food and water during the day, along with a heavy evening meal, can create serious health issues for people living with diabetes, as they are faced with major disruptions to their diet and daily routines, which may lead to serious complications,” she said.

This includes low or high blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of severe low blood sugar levels for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, especially for those who change the dosages of their oral medications or insulin 1 or 2.

“A blood sugar level that is too low and left untreated can cause confusion, clumsiness, or fainting, and in the case of severe low blood sugar, can lead to seizures, coma, and even death,” she said.

“A high blood sugar level can damage blood vessels, and over a long period of time can result in serious complications, including irreversible organ damage.”

Sheik said that fasting presented significant challenges for diabetics in terms of managing blood sugar levels.

“This is why diabetic persons should consult with their doctor prior to the holy month of Ramadaan to find out if they can fast, and if so, plan a way to do it safely.”

She said that one way was to sustain a low GI diet because foods took longer to break down and would sustain individuals for a longer time.

“When preparing for sehri, which is the pre-dawn meal before the fast, consider the following in your diet: original flavoured cereals marked with the low GI logo; and fruit with peels, like apples, firm bananas, grapefruit and oranges, which are high in antioxidants. This will sustain patients for a longer period.”

Sheik said bran muffins, low Preparing to welcome Ramadaan by praying are sisters, from left, Ilhaam, Hanna, Fariha and Liya Mahomed. The editor and staff of POST wish all our Muslim readers and advertisers Ramadaan Mubarak. fat yoghurt, porridge cooked in low fat milk, and low GI bread with a protein like cheese or an egg could also be considered.

“When performing iftar, the breaking of the fast, break with two dates and water. Normal meals are fine, but abstain from fried food and opt for smaller portions. An option for supper

PICTURE: SIYANDA MAYEZA