Muslims around the world keep Fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. Health experts have advised people to take care of their health during Ramadan. Especially diabetic patients, Because of the slightest negligence can cause critical problems especially for those people who are suffering from diabetes.
During a fast, at about 10 to 12 hours after your last meal, your body begins to use energy stores to maintain your blood glucose (sugar) levels normal.
For most people this not dangerous, but if you are suffering from diabetes, your body cannot use the glucose as well as it should. With diabetes — especially if you are taking tablets or insulin– you are at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).
How to manage your Diabetes normal during Ramadan
Persons with diabetes who decide to fast during Ramadan, they require specific consideration in several topics like nutrition, monitoring of blood sugar, exercise.
Regular Monitor your Blood Sugar
If you are diabetic patient and you decide to go on fast during Ramadan, it’s strongly recommended that you should check your blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day; this is especially serious for those patients who need insulin. It is suggested to test your blood sugar levels at least 4 times in a day:
- Directly before Sahoor
- Between 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
- And 3 hours after Iftar
If you feel any signs of hyperglycemia (low or high blood sugar), strongly suggested to breaks your fast is in order to normalize your blood sugar levels and to avoid more dangerous problems.
A physician or diabetes educator can provide additional information about controlling blood glucose during Ramadan and helping patients understand when it would be essential to break their fast.
Learn what to eat or do not eat during Ramadan
- Foods that are high carbohydrates & fat should be avoided.
- Starting meals with carbohydrates like dates or milk is recommended.
- Take fiber-rich fruit and juice.
- Have green vegetables, dhal, curd and fruit, in your meals
- The consumption of porridge, milk and nutritious diet should be high.
- Do not have too many oily foods such as samosas, puri, katlamas, paratha, pakoras, chevera, fried kebabs. Use only 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mls) for cooking for four people.
- Drink at least 6 to 8 Glass of water between Iftar and Sahour
- It is best to begin your Iftar meal with dates (not more than 3 dates per day) to get your blood sugar normal levels.
- Regular exercise is necessary.
- The best time for exercise is in the evening (two hours after the Iftar). Going to Taraweeh Prayers (Namaaz) also considered as part of your daily exercise during Ramadan.
