Saturday 01 / March / 2025
As the holy month of Ramadan has arrived, individuals on fast during Ramadan should undertake health check-up, specially those suffreing from diabetes and chronic diseases.
Key components of any Ramadan focused health awareness include
• Risk quantification and exemptions, clearing misconceptions
• Medication adjustment
• Medical management of diabetes
• SMBG (self monitoring of blood glucose) in people with diabetes
• Fluid and dietary advice
• Understanding when to break the fast – Recognition of complications (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia symptoms)
• Physical activity advise.
Diet plays an important role in enhancing trouble free fasting avoiding hypoglycemia (low blood sugar less than 70 mg/dl) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar greater than 300 mg/dl) and other related complications.
During this divine month, people of different ages fast for almost 13 or more hours, refrain from eating or drinking from early dawn to dusk. It’s important to have healthy diet as the nutrition needs and requirements for those on fast are diverse.
Revitalise at Iftar: Encourage breaking fast with dates, fruits and water. It’s sunnah to have dates at iftar as it provides essential nutrients to the body. Avoid added sugar juices for people with diabetes. Minimise use of fried foods, opt for baked or grill foods.
In general avoid eating late night meals, restricting last meal to immediate post taraweeh. A meal comprising carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats fulfills nutritional needs. Hydrate well from iftar to suhoor avoiding carbonated drinks and excess use of caffeine. Drinks like lemonade and flavoured water are better options to quench thirst.
Gear up at Suhoor: Significant meal for people with diabetes and active children, provides energy and prepares for the day’s fast. Ideal time to have suhoor is 30 mins to 1 hour before fajr prayers (early dawn prayers).
Make an effort for using complex carbohydrates, choosing whole grain breads or cereal with protein comprising eggs, low fat cheese, dairy or lean meats.
Avoid junk foods and spices: Trending practice of eating a suhoor meal early mid night between 12-1 am not only increases hours of fasting causing altered sleep and dyspepsia but also causes lethargy and increased risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia during the day. In case of situations where someone cannot have suhoor, they can utilise ready to use nutritional drinks which provide sustained release of carbohydrates aiding nutritional support and glycemic control.
Rest and sleep are important: Focus on getting proper sleep and rest which are essential for quality work and perform tireless prayers during the day. Lack of sleep can cause headaches, dizziness and impact blood pressure. It is of prime importance to take all medications and insulin as advised by the doctor during assessment.
Note:Injecting insulin does not break the fast. Hypoglycemia (low sugar less than 70 mg /dl) awareness is must among diabetics and in such cases fast acting sugars like dates or a fruit juice should be used. Proper care with healthy eating and better time management can make fasting easier.
Wishing all a blessed Ramadan
Registered Dietitian, Sumaira Fatima
Apollo Hospital -Ruwi
