Fasting has endless benefits and works wonders for your body. However, diabetics need to be more careful in Ramadan.
Long hour complications for diabetics:
For diabetics, long hours of fasting can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia (low sugar content), hyperglycemia (high sugar content), or dehydration. T.Therefore, diabetics are advised to consult the specialist before fasting in Ramadan.
Dr. Subhash Kumar Wangnoo, Senior Advisor for Endocrinology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, explains that “adjustments and changes to medication are suggested according to the health of the diabetic”.
Medications to Avoid During Fasting:
Care should be taken when taking hypoglycemics, which can cause hypoglycemia. The doctor went on to say that long-acting oral medications should be avoided because people fast for long hours.
During Ramadan, diabetics should also avoid having SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter-2) inhibitors, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping the kidneys lower blood sugar levels.
Medications to be taken during the fast:
Diabetics can have gliclazide, another short-acting drug that doesn’t cause hypoglycemia.
Insulin:
You should check your sugar levels regularly and not skip the insulin dose. IDF states.
Dr. Wangnoo says, “If the patient is given two doses of insulin, he should reduce the dose by a third. If the patient is receiving multiple doses of insulin, they should avoid fasting during Ramadan. “
When to have breakfast
The moment you start to sweat or have palpitations during fasting, you should immediately check your sugar level if it is below 70 mg / dl. One should break one’s fast immediately.
Avoid overeating (especially sweets) during Eid ul fitar. Consult the doctor and return to the previous medication routine.
Aside from this pregnant woman, children and the elderly with comorbid conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease should avoid fasting during Ramadan.
