Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, prayer and blessings. Fasting can be a challenge for anyone; it can be especially difficult for someone with diabetes.  Fasting in Ramadan has many spiritual and health benefits. For some people with diabetes, fasting can be dangerous or can cause problems to health. Choosing to fast is a personal decision that you should make with advice from your diabetes team.

The Quran states that there are groups of people who are exempted from fasting especially if it puts their health at risk. This includes children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly and anyone who might make themselves ill by fasting.  This also includes those who often have very high or very low blood glucose levels.

Healthy tips for Safe Ramadan:

Remember to eat sensibly and healthily all year round but also in Ramadan. Overeating and consumption of carbohydrate foods in large quantities will not only make you put on weight but will also lead to big increases and imbalances in your blood sugar levels.

• Keep portion sizes in moderation
• You must eat a healthy meal at Suhoor just before sunrise, as this will help to keep your glucose levels more balanced through the fast
• At Suhoor and Iftar, eat complex carbohydrates as these release energy slowly, which are better for blood sugar control. Include foods such as whole grains or multigrain cereals
• Choose lean meats and chicken to help reduce the amount of saturated fat in food
• Lentils, beans and pulses are naturally low fat source of protein
• Include fruit, vegetables and salads in your meals
• Reduce the amount of oil used in your cooking
• Avoid deep frying and try to use healthier cooking methods such as baking, roasting and grilling
• Choose sugar-free sweets and avoid foods which are very high in sugar such as Indian mithai
  

  About fluid:

  Fasting can also put you at risk of dehydration because of long hours of fasting

  • Avoid drinking tea or coffee in excess, these contain caffeine which can make you dehydrated
  • Make sure you have enough fluids in the form of drinking water and other liquids such as soups, broths or buttermilk

  Other considerations:

  Do not discontinue with your medicines:

• Your timings of regular meals and medicines will change but make sure you have your regular dosage of medicines to avoid further complications
• Discuss with your diabetologist about the dosage of medicine

      Keep Testing Your blood sugar levels:

• If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) such as shakiness, excess sweating, disorientation or weakness
• Check your blood sugar levels with a glucometer
• If your blood sugar levels are <70 mg/dL, You must break the fast immediately and treat it with a glass of fruit juice or glucose water along with a carbohydrate containing snack