As the holy month of Ramadan begins this Sunday, 1.6 billion Muslims around the world prepare themselves for a month of fasting, which really is no easy task. Every day, from dawn till dusk, as a Muslim, you neither eat nor drink, breaking fast during Iftar, till fast begins again after the pre-dawn meal of Sahur. What about diabetes and Ramadan?
Fasting for the estimated 168 million diabetic Muslims carries the prospect of multiple complications because of swings in their blood sugar. Alas, a large number of patients commonly “make do” when it comes to diabetes and Ramadan fasting, as many are completely unaware of the health complications that may ensue. Complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), dehydration, blood clots (thrombosis) and even diabetic ketoacidosis do turn up with a higher incidence during the fasting month.
Diabetes and Ramadan Tips
If you are or your loved one is fasting & diabetic, here are some practical ways you can effectively self-manage your diabetic condition. Firstly you must have a clear understanding of how to minimize the odds of complications by taking some preparatory steps and then making certain lifestyle changes.
1. Know your Risk – “Very High’, “High” or “Low” risk category?
You can take a Pre-Ramadan Assessment 6-8 weeks before the fasting month. Your doctor will conduct a comprehensive workup to determine your risk category. Generally, pregnant women and Type 1 Diabetics fall under ‘high’ and ‘very high’ risk and are advised not to fast. However, you may still do so with close medical supervision and focused Ramadan-specific instructions.
2. Nutrition – Well Planned and Balanced for Diabetics
Well planned good nutrition is essential for people with diabetes during fasting. Experts from the International Diabetic Federation(IDF) and the Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance (DAR) are completely in agreement. Due to the fasting and feasting series of periods during Ramadan, overindulgence potentially increases the likelihood of complications in patients. Besides watching limits on food, remember to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water during sunrise and sunset, avoiding sugary drinks.
3. Exercise- Regular & Moderated
Do remain active and continue exercising, even during Ramadan. Choose a convenient time to work out. Perform mild-to-light physical activity every day before or after fasting. Avoid rigorous and high-intensity exercise during daytime especially in hot weather. The danger is opening yourself up to potential complications such as dehydration and hypoglycemia.
The very act of attending Tarawih prayers; bowing, kneeling and rising is also considered as exercise.
4. Medication Adjustment
In the pre-Ramadan assessment, your doctor can help minimize the risk of daytime low sugar and night-time high sugar by adjusting the dose, the timing or even type of medication.
Indeed, during Ramadan, you have the opportunity to change for a better lifestyle, facilitate weight loss or even succeed in quitting smoking. Particularly for diabetics who choose to fast, consult your doctor to help you. In doing so, you strengthen the therapeutic alliance between you and your doctor. Ultimately you may improve your diabetes management, with a focus on self-care, regulation of medication and meal timing.
Reference:
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by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
