This year the holy month of Ramadan is being celebrated from April 2 to May 2.
According to a study, fasting during Ramadan has a very high risk for people with type 1 Diabetes, This risk is especially increased in poorly controlled patients and patients with limited access to medical care, hypoglycemic unawareness, unstable glycemic control, or repeated hospitalization.
However, due to the religious significance of the holy month of Ramadan, people observe fast.
To give healthy tips to diabetics and those who are fasting during this month, we at ETimes spoke to Dr. Vanjinathan, General Medicine & Diabetology, Prashanth Hospital, Kolathur, Chennai and Dr. M. Ravikiran, Consultant Endocrinologist, Sims Hospital. Chennai.
What should you eat?
Dr. Vanjinathan says, “Suhoor – the pre-dawn meal or iftar meal first should be light and not heavy. Keeping oneself hydrated is very important and consuming a light diet with low salt and low fat is preferred ”
On what needs to be avoided during this time, the expert says, “We need to avoid high-fat foods as well as caffeinated drinks and aerated drinks etc., combine it with green leafy vegetables, nuts and liquids. Replace with,” and also recommends against consumption. of fried items and foods with high salt content.
On what type of food should be consumed during Iftar, Dr. M. Ravikiran says: “The habit of eating large amounts of foods rich in carbohydrates and fats, especially at sunset, should be avoided.”
Doctors strictly recommend people with gestational diabetes to quit fasting.
insulin
Dr Vanjinathan suggests seeking a doctor’s advice for fasting, as he says, insulin levels need to be regulated accordingly to manage insulin levels through changes in medications or intake of insulin. Adding to this, Dr. M. Ravikiran says, “Since food intake is limited to late evening and night, your doctor will likely shift the major dose of diabetes medication to night time. People on insulin should discuss with their doctors. How to safely modify the time and dose of insulin before starting fasting.”
“There may be other complications such as sugar, kidney problems, heart problems, vascular pain, peripheral vascular conditions, etc., which need to be considered before deciding to fast. Continuous changes such as HbA1c count and sugar levels Periodic consultations need to be monitored and regulated before they can be taken. A call on fasting,” says the doctor.
other health issues
According to a health report, fasting can be harmful for people who have complications of diabetes such as poor vision, nerve damage, heart or kidney disease.
“Fasting during Ramadan is safe if you have stable, well-controlled diabetes and no co-existing kidney or heart problems. It is better to avoid fasting during this time, especially if you are high in sugar. are dependent on insulin for control (type 1 diabetes) or have type 2 diabetes with poor sugar control. If you have recently had too little or too much sugar or have had kidney disease or a recent stroke or If you have had heart surgery then you should avoid fasting,” says Dr. M. Ravi kiran.