During the month of Ramadan, people who fast will alter their eating patterns and regular exercise routines significantly. In some cases, this might entail consuming larger quantities of food when breaking a fast or during the night.
For people living with diabetes who choose to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, this can present a number of challenges and cause a number of health complications if fasting without prior consultation from a health professional. A good understanding of these risks and knowledge of how to manage diabetes during Ramadan will help to ensure that people fasting will do so safely.
There were 303,700 cases of diabetes in Qatar in 2014, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
With the high prevalence of diabetics in the country, Action on Diabetes and Dr Amel Adam Mustafa, Head of Health Care at Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) shares some simple tips and recommendations for people living with diabetes to follow to ensure a happy and healthy Ramadan.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
If you have diabetes, consult with your physician before Ramadan to find out if it is safe for you to fast and to confirm what dietary and medication plan you should follow.
CONTINUE WITH YOUR MEDICATION
Don’t stop taking diabetes medication without prior consent from your doctor. Treatment and medication plans may need to be adjusted during the Holy month, to allow for changes in eating patterns. That may mean that the time of day that your medication is taken and dosage allowance may change temporarily.
EAT RIGHT
Maintaining a healthy balanced diet and avoiding high-calorie food is a must during Ramadan. Whilst meal times will of course change, try to stick to the same healthy diet that you would outside of Ramadan. Be aware of your overall carbohydrate intake ( juices, rice, bread, fatayer, sambusa, desserts) and keep the intake of high calorie food to the minimum ( fried foods and sweets). When breaking your fast, try to choose foods that are rich in fibre ( fresh and cooked vegetables) and low in fat ( low fat dairy products, lean meats). Choose protein rich lean foods such as poultry, fish and beans, whilst also limiting your daily intake of salt. It is also very important to drink sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor (the start of your fast) to avoid dehydration.
MOVE MORE
Doing regular physical activity brings much good into life. It’s a good way to lose weight and control your blood sugar. It can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Simultaneously, exercise also improves your mental health by boosting your confidence and enhancing sleep quality, as well as your energy levels. During Ramadan, your blood sugar may drop if you exercise during fasting hours, so it is recommended to engage in moderate exercise, like and walking after you break your fast.
FAMILY MEMBERS: BE VIGILANT
Family members of those living with diabetes should also be extra vigilant of their loved ones and pay close attention to any symptoms that suggest changes in their condition like dizziness, blurred vision or slurred speech. If patients start to exhibit such symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
CALL THE HOTLINE
For questions or enquiries related to diabetes during Ramadan, contact the QDA hotline on 4454 7311 or 5527 4919 between 8.30am and 1.30pm.
For medication instruction or more information contact the Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation hotline on 5598 1331 from 8 to 11pm.
The Peninsula
