15 hours long fast in summers is a tough task to undergo for a normal person. Yet it is even more difficult for a diabetic person. A person with diabetes can suffer a high level of glucose in their body at the Suhoor and Iftar time. Also, 15 hours long fast can cause dehydration.
Thereby a diabetic person can go through high blood sugar levels and dehydration in the month of Ramadan if they fast. Dr. Farhana bin Lootah is a medical specialist at the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre. She has guided the DIABETIC Muslims about fasting in Ramadan. So, if you are diabetic and wish to fast, here are some healthy tips for you.
1. When you break your fast at the iftar time, do not eat in excess. Eating in excess would lead to after meal Hyperglycemia (high sugar level). Always try to break your meals in parts. Take small parts of the meal after small intervals. This way you sugar level won’t rise.
2. There are two types of Diabetic patients: one having type-1 diabetes other having type 2. The ones with type 1 diabetes are vulnerable to high risks and shall consult their doctors upon fasting. If such patients are keeping fast, they shall be regularly being monitored. The sugar level shall be checked vigilantly and insulin should be given according to the diet of the patient.
3. If one is a type-2 diabetes patient, it is normally safe for them to fast unless their diabetes follows huge fluctuations. Also, they need to consult their doctors and work out a diet plan for Ramadan.
4. You can safely fast if your medical program has been issued by your doctor. You need to have a well-balanced diet, exercise, and control sugar levels.
5. Break your fast slowly: start off with small quantities. This will help avoid indigestion. Not stuff yourself at once.
6. If you were following a healthy diet plan, then there is no need to change it. Make sure you include the Meat, chicken, and fish, Rice, beans, and bread, Milk and yogurt, Vegetables and fruits in your diet.
7. Avoid sweet meals and desserts at iftar time. This would give an unnecessary and risky boost to your blood sugar levels.
8. Try to drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours so your body remains hydrated during the fasting hours.[irp]
9. Do not keep a fast without eating anything at Suhoor. Most people remain asleep as they say that they had eaten enough. This is wrong. Always wake up for Suhoor and eat healthy foods. Keeping a long fast without eating would cause low blood sugar levels and imbalanced glucose levels.
10. It is advised to intake carbohydrates as they slowly release energy. Some healthy carbohydrates suitable for Suhoor are Cereals made from oat, Rice with beans or pulses, Fruits and vegetables, and Bread. You can intake pitta bread and chapatti in Suhoor for a healthy start off fast.
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