The Ramzan fast need not lead to breakdown of health for diabetics if blood sugar levels are maintained well and medications adjusted.
Diabetics are considered to be at risk of developing hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration and acute metabolic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis while fasting.
Patients should consult their diabetologists six weeks before the fasting period so that the medications can be adjusted to ensure safe fasting, said K.P. Dinakaran, consultant diabetologist at Lifeline Institute of Minimal Access.
Some patients developed cardiovascular episodes after fasting and subsequent celebrations. This can be avoided if some simple steps are followed.
“Doctors can prescribe medications to suit the patient’s requirement during the fasting period and prevent overindulgence during the non-fasting hours,” said Dr. Dinakaran.
Since Muslims shun water during the fast, which typically lasts 12 hours of day time, doctors advise patients to drink plenty of water and sugar-free beverages (2 to 2.5 litres) during the non-fasting hours.
Their meal should include a liberal dose of fruits and vegetables. The human body synthesises fat during the evenings. Hence, taking fat-rich food at night for iftar and high protein food during the suhoor (pre-dawn meal) could check episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Delaying the morning food helps the body synthesise proteins and release energy slowly, and thus balance sugar levels.
Light exercise
A. Ramanan, consultant diabetologist at the Madras Medical Mission Hospital, said people having diabetes should be encouraged to do regular exercise during Ramzan. “The physical exertions involved in Tarawih such as bowing, kneeling and rising, should be considered part of the daily exercise,” he added.
