In the Muslim community, Ramadan is the celebration that is most enthusiastically, joyfully, and lovingly observed. Those who observe the roza, which is another name for fasting, but which has various limits on what they can eat and drink from early in the morning to late at night according to religious beliefs,
A variety of metabolic and physiological adaptations result from this fasting period, including modifications to the metabolic pathways that the body uses to produce energy. Everyone who is observing this fast, especially the patient, must do it under the supervision of a physician or other medical professional. We now have some advice from Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prasad, an endocrinology doctor at Fortis Hospital in Noida. Diabetes patients face some challenges during Ramadan. Diabetics who plan to fast during Ramadan should:
- Always stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and the complications that come with it. Consuming at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day should be encouraged. Both water and coconut water can be taken; however, coconut water is preferred because it contains a combination of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluid. Green tea, mint tea, and chamomile tea are all excellent alternatives to water for meeting fluid needs; they also help in digestion.
- It is important for diabetic patients to plan a proper diet during non-fasting hours to keep their blood sugar levels under control. At suhoor, foods with a low glycemic index should be preferred. Diabetics should break down Iftar meals into small portions and avoid sugary treats and fried foods. Suhoor should include slow-releasing starchy carbohydrates like multigrain bread, oat-based cereals, and brown rice, as well as beans, pulses, lentils, fruit, and vegetables.
- Testing blood glucose regularly while fasting is very important. Both low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, and very high blood sugar are the most dangerous things that could happen during fasting. Presentations include signs that include blurred vision, an irregular heart rate, dizziness or faintness, and confusion. Testing your blood glucose does not break your fast—there is a misconception that any amount of blood released breaks a fast, but that’s not the case for most schools of thought.