DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has advised diabetics wishing to fast during Ramadan to consult their dietitians to ensure they have a proper and healthy dietary plan for safe fasting.
Samah Jamal Sobh, HMC Dietitian, said a healthy diet is an important factor in the treatment of some diabetics to control their blood sugar level.
“Each diabetic patient has his dietary system, which suits his nutritional habits and health condition. Hence, a patient should consult his physician and dietitian before fasting in Ramadan to ensure fasting with no complications,” she said .
“It is advisable that a diabetic patient splits his Iftar into two light meals; the first should consist of three pieces of dates, a cup of fat-free vegetable soup and half a glass of water, and then he takes his medications. It is preferable to take the second light meal, which includes the main course, after Maghreb prayer, about 30 minutes later,” she added.
Sobh said the diabetic patient should take his food slowly and in small pieces to ensure better digestion.
“The main course should include fish or poultry proteins, red meat consumption should be minimal. They should include a good portion of vegetable salad to ensure a supply of salts, minerals and vitamins, in addition to carbohydrates like rice or whole-wheat bread to improve blood sugar level and prevent constipation.
“Diabetic patients can take various types of fat-free soup like vegetable soup, which is rich in vitamins and dietary fibers, or lentil soup rich in iron and mineral salts. Two hours after Iftar, they can have fruits for vitamins and fibers. It is advisable to avoid dried instant soups for their high salt concentration and poor vitamins. Diabetics should avoid taking large quantity of food during Sahour to avoid high blood sugar levels.”
She also advised diabetic patients to delay eating the Sahour meal until just before dawn to ensure that the body gets adequate amounts of energy and carbohydrates needed for the day and to reduce the risk of getting hypoglycemia.
“Diabetics are advised to strictly adhere to food items and quantities specified by their dietician. The Sahour meal should be balanced, containing slow digesting food rich in fibers such as whole wheat bread, legumes and vegetables.
“High calorie food like fats and oils as well as salty food should be avoided because they may cause thirst and dehydration during the fasting time. Food containing sugar should be avoided, a medium-sized piece of fruit will do no harm.”
As part of its commitment to provide the safest, most effective and compassionate care, HMC recently launched a diabetes awareness campaign.
It aims to improve the population’s overall health through raising awareness on risk factors associated with the development of diabetes and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Tips and information about living well with diabetes during Ramadan and the rest of the year are available at diabetes.hamad.qa.
The Peninsula
