Diabetes and Ramadan: Managing Health Risks During Religious Fasting

Apart from insulin-treated diabetes where fasting is contraindicated, it is important to note that hypoglycemia remains a major risk during the day, especially "if the patient has not taken care to have his treatment adapted with his doctor", explains a specialist. Hyperglycemia can also be caused in the evening by an excess of calories, thus causing intense thirst and polyuria, likely to cause dehydration.

During the breaking of the fast, it is essential to have a balanced diet divided between two or three meals, the specialists advise. While fiber (fruits, vegetables, dates, bread, cereals and soups) should be favored, pastries and oilseeds (peanuts, pistachios...) should be avoided as much as possible.

Hydration, on the other hand, must be the watchword for all diabetics. Drinking abundantly is of vital importance for those fasting, who should rather favor water, soups, as well as herbal teas and infusions.

To avoid weakening, it is also recommended to avoid the sun and heat during fasting, at the same time, physical efforts should be reduced to a strict minimum, if not the daily walk.

Furthermore, and as a precautionary measure, endocrinology specialists recommend systematically and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels during this month. Also, high-risk individuals (the elderly, pregnant women and hypertensive or asthmatic patients) should alert their doctor at the slightest signal.