How diabetics can manage Ramzan fasting

Khairatabad: Long hours of fasting during the month of Ramzan can lead to various physiological and metabolic changes in the body. To avoid potential health hazards during the month of Ramzan a conference was conducted at Somajiguda on Friday. 

Prolonged fasting can lead to imbalances in blood sugar and might lead to severe cases when it comes to diabetic patients. Patients with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar are more vulnerable towards severe conditions. Global diabetes prevalence suggests there are 148 million Muslims around the world who are suffering from diabetes, of whom over 116 millions fast during the month of Ramzan. Moreover, about 79 per cent of Muslims fast for at least 15 days during the month of Ramzan. 

Diabetologist from Sagar Hospital, Dr Taher Kahn said, “It is very important to manage diabetes during the fasting, every diabetic patient must consult a healthcare professional before and after Ramzan to discuss a proper medication and regimen readjustments. A patient should be made aware of risks of overindulgence at the time of fasting, and they also have to track their blood glucose levels on a regular basis and adjust their medications dose as per recommendations.” 

Endocrinologist from Advanced Endocrine & Diabetes Hospital, Dr Ravi Muppidi said, “Although rigorous exercise is not recommended during fasting because of increased risk of hypoglycemia or dehydration, patients with diabetes should be encouraged to take regular to light to moderate exercise during Ramzan the tarawih prayers such as bowing, kneeling, and rising should considered part of their daily exercise. 

Doctors also suggested the diabetic patients to include high fibre diets during the times of Saher and Iftar, they have to drink plenty of waters and sugar free beverages during non-fasting hours. Patients also have to monitor their blood sugar levels multiple times every day especially if they are taking insulin. Patients should not ignore and warning signs of blood sugar lower than 70 mg/dl or higher blood sugar levels above 300 mg/dl and should consult a doctor immediately.