How Do You Manage Diabetes During Ramadan? These Habits Will Help You Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
Ramadan is a month-long fasting time for Muslims. Fasting for an extended period of time, on the other hand, can be harmful to diabetics’ health if done incorrectly. Here are some tips for managing diabetes when fasting.
During the holy month of Ramadan, observant Muslims fast for the full day, not eating or drinking anything from dawn to dusk. After sundown, those who are fasting can break their fast as part of the iftar ceremony. It’s difficult to go without food or drink for 30 days in a row, especially when it’s hot and humid. People with diabetes, therefore, need to take extra care and follow a proper diet routine to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes management while fasting is walking a tightrope, given the nature of the fast and the food items allowed during this period. Here’s how people with diabetes can manage the symptoms while fasting.
How Do You Manage Diabetes During Ramadan? Dos And Don’ts
Dr Jothydev Kesavadev, Chairman and Managing Director, Jothydev’s Diabetes Research Centre, says, “Diabetes is a condition that requires regular monitoring and ensuring that your blood glucose levels are in the normal range and minimizing fluctuations as much as possible. During Ramadan, people with diabetes need to be constantly monitored as they are fasting for more than 10-12 hours.”
Today, there are continuous glucose monitoring devices that help people with diabetes understand their 24-hour glucose profile. One can use continuous glucose monitoring systems that help you avoid the pain of pricking multiple times and is much faster and more accurate. There are convenient wearables that provide real-time glucose readings, thus showcasing the glucose trend during Iftar and at the time of Sehri.
Healthy Habits To Follow During Ramadan
Having a balanced diet and following a healthy lifestyle during the fasting period are equally important. Here are some tips:
Meal inclusions during iftar and sehri
Start the Iftar meal with food, which is rich in simple carbohydrates and can be absorbed quickly by the body such as 1-2 dates or milk, followed by complex carbohydrates like brown rice and chapatis. During Sehri, one can consume whole-grain cereal, and vegetables and take it as late as possible. Alternatively, one can opt for lean proteins like fish, tofu, and nuts as they provide energy. Finally, a glass of milk or fruit before bedtime will help maintain sugar levels till the early morning.
Exercise routine
Aim to keep up with your exercise routine but reduce the intensity of workouts while fasting. If training is too difficult, one can focus on walks or gentle exercises like yoga. Resistance training can help prevent muscle loss when in a calorie deficit, during Ramadan.
Sleep patterns
It’s important to get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can impact hunger hormones, which makes it harder to resist large volumes of high-calorie foods during the eating window. Sleep is also important for the metabolic process, which has been shown to facilitate blood glucose regulation which is essential for diabetes management.
While it’s a personal choice for people with diabetes to fast during Ramadan, if one observes fasting, it’s equally important to plan and prepare yourself in advance to enjoy a safe and successful festival. And should your blood sugar drop, it is advisable to consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
Last Updated on April 13, 2022 by 247 News Around The World
