Few days and Muslims will begin fasting the month of Ramadan, and the site offersUK Diabetes Tips for diabetics in Ramadan, which were developed by a group of diabetes consultants affiliated with the Islamic Council of Britain.
The website indicated that it is necessary to test the blood sugar level during the month of Ramadan, and to eat healthy food and drink while reducing sweets and fats, explaining that for people with diabetes, it is important not to fast unless the condition of their disease is discussed with the attending physician, as the lack of control of sugar Before fasting, diabetics will suffer from serious complications.
Before you decide to fast, it is important to check with your healthcare team to see how you manage your diabetes, said Professor Waseem Hanif, Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology and Clinical Director of Diabetes at Birmingham University Hospital. to your health, how to reduce this risk, or whether the risks to your health are too high.
Use this opportunity to talk regarding what’s or isn’t working well for you, adding that if you find your diabetes isn’t quite on the right track before fasting, it won’t be a safe option to fast this year, knowing that can help you make a plan on how to improve your disease. Your diabetes and your health over the next year
He added, if you choose to fast, it is important to be prepared before Ramadan by speaking with your healthcare team so that you have a plan to keep you safe and healthy..
He stressed, if you develop any symptoms of the Corona virus, it is recommended not to fast, if you are fasting in the month of Ramadan, then getting the Corona virus vaccine does not break the fast.
The risks of fasting are determined according to the following:
1. The type of diabetes you live with
2. The type of medication you use to control your diabetes
3. If you are taking medications that put you at risk of developing hypoglycemia, such as sulfonylureas and insulin
4. If you have diabetes complications such as poor eyesight, nerve damage, heart or kidney disease, there is a significant risk that fasting can make these health conditions worse, for example, people with type 2 diabetes, who are dealing with Diet and lifestyle only, or those taking one diabetes medication will have a lower risk while fasting if they are already maintaining an average blood sugar level. (HbA1c) in a healthy range.
Creating a plan to fast safely may include:
First, check your blood sugar levels more than usual and make sure you have enough test strips to do so. If you are taking certain pills or insulin, fasting carries a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and test your blood sugar frequently while fasting.
Second: If your blood sugar drops below 4 mmol/L, you must break your fast and eat some sugary fluids followed by starchy foods, otherwise it will harm your body and may need medical care. It is good to carry hypoglycemic medications and a bottle of water with you during the fasting period..
Third: You may get injured With high levels of sugar in the blood While fasting if you miss prescribed medications, eat more starchy or sugary foods, or are less physically active than usual, your blood sugar can increase your risk of dehydration, which can make you feel dizzy and tired, if your blood sugar is you have 16.6 mmol/L or more you should break the fast and seek medical advice, without medical advice, as this may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) This is a serious condition that requires hospital treatment.
Fourth: If you are not able to contact your GP or diabetes team, it is advisable not to fast, especially if you are not sure what to do with your diabetes medication.