Each day during Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset. For people living with diabetes, this practice requires thoughtful preparation and oversight to ensure glycemic control and adverse events are avoided. This blog describes the changes that take place in physiology due to fasting during Ramadan and attempts to provide some practical recommendations to ensure safe fasting during the month.
When you fast, your body moves from taking glucose from food to the glycogen supply, which is stored in the liver. The transition from glucose to glycogen makes the insulin reaction uncertain. The liver somehow malfunctioned and released excessive amounts of glucose transiently. The described insulin resistance, therefore, allowed for an unrecognized glucose increase even when the insulin was extensively present. For this reason, hormonal imbalances such as increased glucagon and decreased insulin levels are crucial in controlling the shift between glycogen and fat utilization. Uncovering the deep roots of health-related issues is a long and complicated process, and it requires an understanding of all interactions.
Diabetes Management During Ramadan:
A thorough medical investigation is necessary for the determination of personal risk level and for drafting the treatment course usable for the patient’s health condition. This assessment should, so far, cover the questions regarding medication, blood glucose monitoring, and dietary habits.
- People with diabetes can be classified based on the risk categories, and they can be low, medium, or high according to such things as the type of diabetes, the regime they use to control their blood sugar, and the presence of complications.
- The insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents might need some dosage or timing adjustments in order to reduce the risk of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
- Self-monitoring of the blood sugar level should occur often, and the person should be especially watchful for the initial days of fasting and when they feel the symptoms.
Dietary Considerations:
In Suhoor (Pre-dawn meal), you should mainly focus on foods rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, low glycemic index fruits, green and leafy vegetables with egg and dairy products, which should be used to balance the fasting. Moreover, protein will be added to provide the necessary energy. Consume the fiber-rich products that make you feel full and regulate your glucose level.
At Iftar (Evening meal), start your iftar with dates, lemon water with a pinch of salt, and a spoonful of chia seeds to rehydrate. This will also give you a quick supply of energy in terms of calories. In addition to it, balanced diets with proteins, carbohydrates, and good fats are also required. Besides sugar and fried foods, use baked and air fryer techniques to satisfy your cravings. Add a bowl of fruit salad to your iftar meals. Opt for wholegrain chapati with any meat/vegetable curry and half a cup of salad after the Maghrib prayer.
Note:
Drink plenty of water during the non-fasting hours to stay hydrated. Be sure to learn the signs of hypoglycemia (sweating, trembling, dizziness) and hyperglycemia, too (increased thirst, frequent urination).
Stop fasting immediately if severe symptoms develop and get medical help if necessary.
Educational Takeaways:
During Ramadan fasting, the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients may be affected dramatically. Accurate preparation, close monitoring, and necessary medications are critical for a person with diabetes to observe the fast safely. A healthy diet and sufficient water consumption can help to keep the glucose level at a constant level. However, it is even more important to see a medical specialist and take necessary precautions before and after Ramadan. Active management of diabetes in those who thoroughly comprehend the physical transformations and employ the right medication regimens for themselves will surely make observing Ramadan safe for individuals with diabetes and even bring about a spiritual upliftment