How To Manage Diabetes During Ramadan? - Dr V. Mohan

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, millions of Muslims around the world prepare to embark on a month-long journey of fasting and spiritual reflection. For those living with diabetes, this period can be particularly challenging as it requires careful management of blood sugar levels while observing religious obligations. However, with proper planning and awareness about what to do and what not to do during Ramadan, people with diabetes can successfully navigate this sacred time without compromising their health.

How can you manage diabetes during Ramadan?

It can be difficult to manage diabetes during Ramadan, as many people fast and may not have regular access to food or water. There are a few things you can do to manage your diabetes during this time:

Consult your healthcare team:

Before beginning a fast, consult your doctor. This is the first and most crucial step. Your physician will assist you in determining whether it is safe for you to fast and what measures must be taken to prevent significant changes in your blood sugar levels. It is essential to discuss your diabetes management with your healthcare team before deciding to fast. It is essential to discuss the results of your blood tests, any diabetes medications you are taking, and any existing or potential diabetes complications.

Monitor your blood sugars:

Check your blood sugar levels regularly and keep track of how they fluctuate throughout the day. This will help you to identify any patterns or changes that may occur during fasting.

Follow a healthy diet regimen:

• Eat slowly and mindfully, so that you do not overeat when breaking your fast, especially sweet things.
• Keep your intake of fried and oily foods to a minimum so as to avoid unintentional weight gain.
• Drink enough water.

When friends or family are sharing sweets, it can be tempting to snack on them. Baklava, barfi, and ras malai are desserts that can be high in fat and sugar. Even a small amount can significantly raise blood sugar levels. Chicken kebab salad, date and oatmeal Kheer with coconut, whole grain dosa, fish curry, legumes soup, Omelette, boiled masala eggs, whole wheat pasta and quinoa are a few healthy alternative recipes.

Hydrate yourself sufficiently:

Make an effort to rehydrate with sugar-free beverages; water is the best choice. Fruit juices and sugary /fizzy drinks should be avoided because they can raise blood sugar and make you feel even thirstier. Drink plenty of fluids during the non-fasting hours. This will help to prevent dehydration, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Drinks made with milk, like lassi or laban, are a good source of calcium and protein, but they're better for you if they're not sweetened.

Treat any abnormal symptoms:

Avoid taking any blood sugar-lowering medication while you are on an empty stomach. This makes it more likely to experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous and lead to serious problems. If your blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL or rise above 300 mg/dL, you should stop fasting immediately and talk to your doctor about what to do next to avoid a medical emergency. Carry snacks with you to help control your blood sugar levels if they start to drop too low. Good options include dates, dried fruit, nuts, or seeds.

There are some health risks associated with fasting for people with diabetes. It is a personal choice, but if you feel like trying, talk to your doctor about how to manage your fasts and adjust your medication schedule to fit the shift. Eid al-Fitr, the end of the fast, is a big event where people eat a lot, which can be hard for people with diabetes. However, diabetes does not prevent you from enjoying festive fare if you remind yourself “Moderation Is the Key”.

In the end, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not to fast. However, if you decide to fast, it's important to talk to your medical team ahead of time to come up with a strategy for staying safe and healthy.

International Diabetes Federation has developed guidelines for Ramadan fasting which we have slightly modified (enclosed). By using this checklist, you can decide whether you can come under the low-risk or medium-risk or high-risk category for fasting during Raman.

Wishing you a happy and holy Ramadan month!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.