The holy month of Ramadan has begun. Ramadan is the month of moderation. How diabetics can be completely healthy by fasting; Besides, there are expert suggestions on how to observe this holy month in a relaxed and austere manner.
According to a statistic, around 50 million diabetics around the world fast. Among those who fast without medical advice, they face several complications, especially low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diabetic ketoacidosis, and dehydration.
Patients who control their diabetes through diet and exercise alone have a lower risk of fasting. Those taking medications such as metformin and glitazones are also at lower risk. However, those taking sulfonylureas and insulin are at higher risk. Diabetes is not a hindrance to fasting for those who can afford it. But advance preparation is required. It is necessary to prepare for fasting in consultation with the doctor.
Fasting is now easier and safer for diabetic patients. The month of Ramadan provides a great opportunity for diabetics to lead a disciplined life. Many people ask whether diabetic patients can fast or not. Abstaining from anything that harms health is forbidden in Islam. Therefore, if someone is afraid of losing his health despite observing all the hygiene rules for fasting, then it is not compatible for him to fast. In that case, there is a provision for fasting. Fasting blood tests, and even insulin injections if needed. We know from religious experts that there is no harm in fasting.
So diabetic-faster can keep fast by following these rules. Fasting is not recommended for those who have complications with diabetes. An experienced specialist doctor can be consulted to be sure.
Changes in lifestyle
During the month of Ramadan, our lifestyle changes quite a bit. At this time there is a big change in eating habits. During the month of Ramadan food is mainly taken twice. There are some people who develop the habit of consuming extra food during the month of Ramadan compared to other months. Some people consume less food. Both types of diet cause large variations in blood sugar. On the other hand, some shorten and change the time between activities during the month of Ramadan. Due to fasting, working time is slightly less. As a result, weight and sugar increase. Bad cholesterol in the blood also increases. It increases the risk of heart complications.
Health problems caused by fasting and their solutions
Low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia)
Reason: Due to not eating for a long time, more attention should be paid to health at the end of the day. In addition, any other extra activity can lower the blood glucose level, such as heavy physical or physical exertion that lowers a large part of the blood glucose. Taking too much insulin or tablets can cause this condition. This can happen if the insulin and syringe are not the same sizes, if you eat less than the allotted meal or if you forget to eat.
What to do in case of hypoglycemia
If a fasting person develops these symptoms or if the blood sugar level falls below 60 mg (3·6 mmol), the fast should be broken and the next day should be followed by a Kaza fast. Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency. The patient should immediately drink four to six teaspoonfuls of glucose or sugar in a glass of water. If there is no glucose or sugar, any food should be given immediately. If the patient becomes unconscious, glucose should be injected without attempting to feed anything by mouth and should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.
How to avoid hypoglycemia
Foods and medicines should be taken which will keep blood glucose levels at normal levels. Food and medicine should be coordinated. Hypoglycemia can be avoided if the following rules are followed.
Hard physical or manual work should be avoided. Because it drastically lowers blood glucose levels without any warning. Eating late iftar during fasting can also cause such a condition. Keep track of medication dosages, be it insulin or tablets. Similarly, the amount of food should be taken into account, especially sugars. Then this calculation should be reported to the doctor so that the effect of food on blood glucose is high and the effect of the medicine on blood glucose is low.
Increased glucose levels
Many complications arise when the glucose level increases in diabetes. Acetone can develop into a complex in a short period of time due to insulin deficiency. The main conditions that manifest in such cases are dizziness, loss of energy, sometimes shivering, vomiting, weakness, etc. Along with that, glucose activity becomes irregular. As a result, symptoms of excessive urination, thirst, and dehydration are seen.
These symptoms make it easy for the doctor to diagnose the condition. At this time, the blood pressure goes down, the skin is dry