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Tribune News Network
Doha
It’s not safe for those with diabetes to fast, especially those who have poorly controlled diabetes, a diabetes educator at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has said. Diabetics should work closely with their healthcare team and regular monitoring is essential for those among them who choose to fast during Ramadan, she added.
“For many individuals, fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan has numerous health benefits; however, for individuals with diabetes, fasting is a more complex topic and can have serious health risks,” said Amani Ajina, senior adult diabetes educator at HMC.
“Ideally, individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor or health educator before Ramadan begins. Their healthcare team can help them determine if it’s safe to fast and can also provide important advice about physical activity, nutrition, safe glucose levels and guidance around changes to the dosage and timing of any medications,” noted Ajina.
Successful blood sugar management is the key to living well with diabetes and fasting should be approached with care, she said, adding, “Blood sugar testing is an important part of diabetes care and monitoring blood sugar levels frequently is particularly important for diabetics who fast because during Ramadan eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns are significantly altered. During the Holy Month, we advise all fasting diabetics to monitor their glucose levels throughout the day and night to ensure their levels are within a healthy range.”
Appropriate blood sugar levels vary throughout the day and from person to person. She recommends that diabetics check their blood glucose several times throughout the day and night and in particular at noon, before iftar and suhour meals, and again two hours after suhour.
“Patients with diabetes must ensure they eat the suhour meal and they should eat sensibly – being mindful of the types of food eaten as well as the quantity. Overeating at iftar or suhour can cause a sudden increase in blood glucose levels. It’s also important to drink adequate fluids during non-fasting hours, ideally choosing water or another sugar-free beverage,” she pointed out. Ajina recommends starting meals with a small amount of simple carbohydrates, such as dates or milk.
She also recommends eating the suhour meal as late as possible and including foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread or vegetables. Normal levels of physical activity can be maintained for most diabetics who choose to fast, but exercise during fasting hours, especially before iftar, is generally discouraged as it may lead to hypoglycemia.
Doha
It’s not safe for those with diabetes to fast, especially those who have poorly controlled diabetes, a diabetes educator at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has said. Diabetics should work closely with their healthcare team and regular monitoring is essential for those among them who choose to fast during Ramadan, she added.
“For many individuals, fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan has numerous health benefits; however, for individuals with diabetes, fasting is a more complex topic and can have serious health risks,” said Amani Ajina, senior adult diabetes educator at HMC.
“Ideally, individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor or health educator before Ramadan begins. Their healthcare team can help them determine if it’s safe to fast and can also provide important advice about physical activity, nutrition, safe glucose levels and guidance around changes to the dosage and timing of any medications,” noted Ajina.
Successful blood sugar management is the key to living well with diabetes and fasting should be approached with care, she said, adding, “Blood sugar testing is an important part of diabetes care and monitoring blood sugar levels frequently is particularly important for diabetics who fast because during Ramadan eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns are significantly altered. During the Holy Month, we advise all fasting diabetics to monitor their glucose levels throughout the day and night to ensure their levels are within a healthy range.”
Appropriate blood sugar levels vary throughout the day and from person to person. She recommends that diabetics check their blood glucose several times throughout the day and night and in particular at noon, before iftar and suhour meals, and again two hours after suhour.
“Patients with diabetes must ensure they eat the suhour meal and they should eat sensibly – being mindful of the types of food eaten as well as the quantity. Overeating at iftar or suhour can cause a sudden increase in blood glucose levels. It’s also important to drink adequate fluids during non-fasting hours, ideally choosing water or another sugar-free beverage,” she pointed out. Ajina recommends starting meals with a small amount of simple carbohydrates, such as dates or milk.
She also recommends eating the suhour meal as late as possible and including foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread or vegetables. Normal levels of physical activity can be maintained for most diabetics who choose to fast, but exercise during fasting hours, especially before iftar, is generally discouraged as it may lead to hypoglycemia.
