What Do Diabetics Do During Ramadan? If I have diabetes, is it safe to fast throughout Ramadan? Is there anything else I should do to ensure a safe fast?
Answer From M. Regina Castro, M.D. It can be risky at times. For religious reasons, some people may opt to fast for a period of time, such as from dawn to sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
However, before you fast, see your doctor. He or she will most likely go through the dangers of problems like low or high blood sugar and dehydration. If you’re at a high risk of issues, your doctor may advise you to avoid fasting. If you decide to fast, your doctor and diabetes care team will most likely educate you on how to manage your diabetes and how to change your medications or insulin doses.
What Do Diabetics Do During Ramadan?
While pregnant Muslim women are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, some with known diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational) insist on fasting during Ramadan. These women constitute a high-risk group, and their management requires intensive care (29)
You may have a high risk of complications if you fast during Ramadan and you have one or more of the following:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes with poor blood sugar control
- Recent history of severe low blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis
- History of recurring low blood sugar or unawareness of low blood sugar
- Conditions such as severe kidney disease or blood vessel complications
- Diabetes and are pregnant
But it may be safe for you to fast with diabetes during Ramadan if you:
- Have type 2 diabetes that’s well-controlled
- Manage diabetes with medications or lifestyle therapy
Can I Fast During Ramadan?
If you choose to fast during Ramadan, your doctor and diabetes care team will likely recommend that you:
- Closely monitor your blood sugar
- Adjust your medication doses
- Watch for signs of low blood sugar
- Follow your doctor’s suggestions about food, drink and exercise
- Be ready to stop fasting if you have low or high blood sugar
You may be able to fast safely during Ramadan if you understand the risks, manage your diabetes and carefully follow your doctor’s recommendations.
