Diabetes & Ramadan: Controlling Blood Sugar Levels While Fasting

Diabetic patients must consult their doctor and take extra precautions before fasting for Ramadan

Posted on

16 May 2019

| Last updated on 19 April 2020

Diabetes & Ramadan: Controlling Blood Sugar Levels While Fasting

Diabetic patients need to take extra precautions while fasting during Ramadan

Through this month of fasting, the gap between meals can range from 12 to 15 hours which poses a problem for diabetics who are advised to have regular, timely meals. Fasting results in metabolic changes and hence it is important to adjust diabetes management plans accordingly.

It is very important to ensure that blood sugar levels do not fluctuate too drastically – large meals at iftar and suhoor can cause blood sugar to rise quickly, while fasting during the day can cause them to drop. The risk of dehydration is also very dangerous for diabetic patients.

Patients with type 1 diabetes who have a history of recurrent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are at a higher risk of fluctuating blood sugar levels if they fast. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) as well as hypoglycemia may also occur in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the risk is reduced as it occurs less frequently and with fewer consequences when compared with type 1 diabetes patients.

In order for diabetic patients to get medical clearance for fasting, doctors will check whether blood sugar levels have been steady for at least 2 months prior to beginning the fast. Fasting may not be recommended for those using an insulin pump or those with other comorbidities such as heart or kidney problems.

It is also important for diabetic patients to recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and thrombosis.

If you are a diabetic patient planning on fasting this Ramadan, the first step is to consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to guide you and advise you whether you are safe to fast. It is also advisable to have your blood sugar monitor close to hand at all times throughout the month.

Diabetics should adjust their fasting to ensure blood sugar doesn’t fluctuate:

Frequently monitor blood sugar levels multiple times a day
Adjust your medication routine to accommodate your fasting schedule
Do not over eat at meal times so blood sugar levels are not raised quickly
Drink lots of water to hydrate yourself. You can also consumer sugar-free and decaffeinated drinks to rehydrate your body
Limit consumption of sweets and artificial sugars
Eat lots of vegetables, certain fruits (to be eaten in moderation), fiber, pluses and lean protein
Avoid deep fried foods. Instead, substitute the recipe with baking, steaming and grilling where possible
Avoid sleeping straight after eating to give your body time to process and digest foods

It is worth reemphasizing that fasting during Ramadan is a personal choice for diabetics. The decision should be made while keeping religious guidelines for exemption in mind and after careful medical consultation to ensure a safe and healthy Ramadan.