Doctors have warned diabetics to take extra care of their health during Ramadan while fasting.
Emirates Diabetes Association Head and Endocrinologist Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani said that lack of care during fasting in such a condition leads to low blood sugar during the day, followed by a sharp increase at night, which can trigger a diabetic attack.
“If you are taking tablets and maintaining your diet, you can fast without any problem provided that you have controlled your blood sugar properly before the month of Ramadan,” he added.
He instructed diabetes sufferers to seek the advice of their doctor, prior to fasting, to help them adjust their medication and diet.
According to a study conducted at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, the UAE has the second highest incidence of diabetes in the world, more than three times the global average. Diabetes affects 24.5 percent of the population, while another 10 percent are not aware they have the condition.
Imperial College London Diabetes Centre Medical and Research Director Dr Maha Barakat said that there are stark differences between the needs of a patient with Type 1 Diabetes and a patient with Type 2 Diabetes.
She said, “Patients with Type 1 Diabetes are always in need of insulin throughout the day and night. They must never stop taking insulin and should liaise with their doctor regarding how to adjust their doses and regimes for Ramadan.”
However, Dr Madani suggested that people with Type 1 Diabetes should not fast during Ramadan but people with Type 2 could fast if they managed their blood sugar properly. “All patients with diabetes should avoid eating foods containing high sugar and carbohydrate with high glycaemic index,” he added.
He pointed out that high glycaemic index starchy food includes potatoes and white bread. “Patients should also avoid getting dehydrated and hydrate themselves from the time of Iftar to just before Sehr,” he opined.
Both doctors stressed the importance of hydration, especially during summers. People with diabetes should take care to avoid sugary drinks, even the naturally occurring sugar in juice, and should rely only on water.
Dr Barakat warned that if left untreated, dehydration during the day followed by breaking of fast with sugary food or drink will result in high blood glucose levels that may require hospital treatment. She added, “The same applies to undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes but tends to be more acute.”
Many people are unaware of their prevailing diabetic condition which could lead to a diabetic coma due to spike in blood sugar after breaking of fast. “Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent passing of urine and fatigue and a blood test should be done immediately,” said Dr Barakat.
Furthermore, she said that people with family history of diabetes should be more vigilant against these symptoms as it puts them on increased risk.
