Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting from dawn till dusk as a pillar of faith.

For individuals living with diabetes, however, the observance of Ramadan presents unique challenges, requiring careful attention to manage blood sugar levels effectively while upholding religious obligations.  

If you read this article until the end, there is a surprise waiting for you. 😍 

Should a diabetic fast or not?

The decision that diabetics should fast or not depends upon their current health status, control of blood sugar levels and the path of treatment being followed. Their healthcare provider can take this decision better keeping all such factors in view.

If the Dr. allows the patient to fast then he may do it but with an appropriate change in his diet, medications and proper care.

Possible complications during the fast:

1) Hypoglycemia (decrease in the blood sugar levels)

The patient may feel a fast heartbeat, sweating, shivering, or may even faint. At any fasting hours, if his blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dl then he should break/open his fast ASAP.

2) Hyperglycemia (increase in blood sugar levels)

The patient may face frequent urination, severe thirst, severe headaches etc. At any time of the day if his sugar levels rise above 300mg\dl then the Dr. should be contacted immediately.

3) Dehydration

If hydration levels are not taken care of then this can cause serious complications.

Exercise in Ramzan:

• Exercise plays an important role in managing diabetes but still try to avoid exercising in fasting hours.
• The patient can exercise after Iftar (opening their fast) after the recommendation of his healthcare provider.
• Namaz e Taraweeh is also a form of exercise and is really beneficial both in spiritual terms and physical terms.
• If someone prays while sitting and cannot pray Taraweeh then 10 to 15 minutes daily exercise is a must.

Ramazan, Diabetes and our foods:

In this sacred month, our eating patterns are quite different. Mostly, people have two major meals: sehr and iftaar.

However, this routine is not good for diabetics and may pose hurdles in managing their blood sugar levels. That’s why they should have dinner too after iftaar.

Eating order for diabetics:

1. Sehr
2. Iftaar
3. Dinner

1) Sehr:

It is a must for diabetics to have some sehri before keeping a fast. The patient should add a little carbs and fats and a good amount of protein to this meal.

It’s completely fine if you have a paratha with very little oil/ghee rather than a simple chapatti.

For proteins, eggs and meat are good options. It’s best to make an omelette having eggs and some vegetables of your choice. This also contains fibres and the use of fibres in sehri is important because it helps maintain blood sugar levels.

2) Iftaar: 

Usually, our iftaars have a lot of carbs containing foods like fritters (pakoras), samosa, sweet dishes and different drinks/sodas/colas etc. Intake of such things can quickly spike up the blood sugar levels.

We also use fried items in iftaar more often than on other days which can be really damaging. You can air-fry your samosa/pakora/kebab/nuggets or use very little oil on a non-stick pan.

So the crux of the matter is that moderation and balance are the key.

The patient may open his fast with a medium-sized date and may also take some unsweetened drinks like lemonades, Lassi, detox water etc.

3) Dinner:

Dinner can be as per your usual routine. You may have a small chapatti or some rice with protein sources like grilled chicken etc.

Also, take salad if it suits you at night time.

(For other options, contact me here)

Important Instructions:

• Don’t take sweet dishes or sweetened drinks in iftaar. Instead of that, you may use stevia in your drinks/tea/coffee/lemonade/lassi.
• It’s a must to include fruits, vegetables and yogurt in a diabetic’s diet.
• Try to minimize the intake of deep-fried items like fritters, samosa, rolls, kebabs etc.
• Drink a good amount of water during non-fasting hours and pay special attention to the hydration levels of the patient. IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

I hope that keeping in view all this information, all of the diabetics have a pleasant Ramazan. Always remember that it’s really important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider/dietitian.