DIABETES AND FASTING: THINGS TO CONSIDER

There is often discussion about whether people with diabetes should fast during Ramadan or not. There is no straightforward answer to it. It actually depends on the factors that determine the condition of the patient. For some patients, especially with medication and complications, it may be very challenging to keep their sugar within normal range. However, many people with diabetes can keep their sugar under control by taking extra precautions during Ramadan fasting.

It is strongly recommended that people with diabetes should consult physician before Ramadan. Physician can assess if it is safe for the patient to fast and what precautions should be taken to prevent blood glucose levels from going either too low or too high.
For people who use to take blood glucose lowering medication during day, the daylight hours of fasting may present a particular risk of low blood glucose (called hypoglycemia). During the hours of night, when the fasting is broken, the body may need to take in more food than would normally be eaten. As a result, this may lead to higher blood glucose levels during the night time. People are generally recommended not to fast if it affects negatively, especially with serious complications.
People who decide to fast should not stop taking their insulin during fasting as this could lead to a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Taking insulin does not invalidate fasting. People also should check blood sugar during fasting if needed to prevent hypoglycemia.
Other people who may get exemption from fasting include pregnant women, the elderly and those suffering an illness.

TIPS FOR CONTROLLING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR DURING FASTING

* It is advisable to test your blood sugar levels more often than normal through Ramadan.
* Be aware of the symptoms of high and low blood sugar.
* Have your testing kit ready if you notice you may be either too high or low on sugar.
* If you are taking blood glucose lowering medication, make sure you have a form of quickly absorbed sugar including honey with you.

TIPS FOR EATING
* Carbohydrates provide a lot of energy but can be less good for blood sugar levels, particularly for people with type 2 diabetes. Carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index such as brown rice, full grain bread and vegetables are better options over white rice, non-full grain bread or potatoes.
* Sweets may be popular dishes at Iftar, but are not good for blood sugar levels. If you wish to consume sweets or white carbohydrates, it may be best to stick to much smaller portions of these.
* Protein is a good source of energy and is more slowly absorbed than carbohydrate. People with signs of kidney damage should seek the advice of their doctor before significantly increasing the amount of protein they eat.