Explore tips to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling fasting experience as a diabetes patient during the holy month
PARTNER CONTENT: The holy month of Ramadan is almost upon us, and the UAE is gearing up in anticipation for a month of introspection and spirituality.
However, fasting during the holy month poses unique challenges and risks, especially in the case of individuals managing diabetes. As the healthcare industry continues to explore the implications of fasting on various medical conditions, understanding the effects of Ramadan fasting becomes paramount.
“Diabetic patients can experience both positive and negative effects of fasting during Ramadan on both their physical and mental well-being,” says Dr Hala El Ahmadieh, Diabetes & Endocrinology Consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology Center.
Under the HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers umbrella, the institution is able to provide a multidisciplinary range of services to ensure a safe Ramadan for all, especially patients with chronic diseases.
According to Dr Hala, some of the positives include, “We know based on studies that fasting improves insulin sensitivity. In certain individuals, it also helps better control of their blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Fasting is good for the gut microbiome, and aids weight loss in overweight and obese people. It is also very good for their lipid panel.”
The doctor is equally quick to highlight points for caution for diabetic patients specifically. With Iftars and Suhoors becoming calorie-dense affairs, there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia throughout the day, or hyperglycemia after breaking the fast.
“Furthermore dehydration risk increases if patients don’t drink enough fluids throughout Ramadan. Another thing to remember is that sleep patterns may be affected, energy expenditure, physical patterns and habits may be affected. This could have a negative impact on the patients,” she adds.
Another significant factor to consider is the UAE climate. With extreme temperatures and occasional longer fasting hours, people may be at higher risk of developing dehydration. Add to that high sugar levels and the situation only gets more dire.
You might also like: INTERVIEW: Why early screening is imperative to cervical cancer awareness
Preparing For Ramadan
In preparation for the holy month, HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers offers a pre-Ramadan risk assessment, best undertaken three months before the period of fasting.
Dr Hala explains, “It’ s very important for patients with diabetes to have a pre-Ramadan risk assessment and education. Any time before Ramadan, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor and review the steps to be followed during Ramadan. In general, it’s better to delay Suhoor to the fullest extent possible, put healthy meal plans in place, etc. If the patient is taking insulin, they should continue to follow up with their doctors during Ramadan to adjust medicine dosages accordingly, check for diet and exercise modifications and more.”
The assessment involves a blood test to check glucose targets and a Hemoglobin A1C to determine glycosylated hemoglobin, which gives doctors an idea of a patient’s sugar levels in general.
“We also do assessment for the lipid cholesterol, recheck their vital signs including blood pressure and bowels. We also check overall dietary habits, exercise and sleep patterns. For patients who are at low to moderate risk for fasting. we usually advise them to check their sugar level during Ramadan at least once or twice a day. However, patients who are at high or very high risk, or on multiple insulin injections, we usually advise them to check their sugar at least seven times during the day alongside weekly follow-ups with their doctors.”
Maintaining Your Health During Ramadan
The best part of visiting HealthPlus clinics in preparation for and during Ramadan as well is a holistic healthcare experience. Your physician will most likely refer you to a nutritionist, as well as ophthalmologists and more to ensure that you get expert care from tip to toe.
When it comes to planning your Iftar and Suhoor meals, Dr Hala recommends well-balanced plates that avoid fats, salt and sugar.
“Fill half your plate with greens and vegetables, one fourth with protein and one fourth with complex carbohydrates. Make your plate out of fresh products cooked with one to two table spoons of oil. Avoid frying and deep frying. I would highly recommend eating five servings of fruits and vegetables spread between Iftar and Suhoor along with a high fibre diet. Try to get enough fluids, at least two to three litres of fluids such as water and herbs between Iftar and Suhoor time,” she explains.
In terms of vegetables, the doctor advises pushing for cucumbers, green beans, aubergines and mushrooms. As for the fruits, she suggests watermelons, berries and the like, essentially calling for more fluids and hydrating options.
While exercising is a great way to supplement your diet for better health and maintaining glucose targets, Dr Hala does emphasise opting for light to moderate exercises such as walking and cycling to prevent dehydration through the day.
Sustainable Health Post Ramadan
In addition to inculcating healthy practices during the holy month of Ramadan, it is strongly advisable to carry the positives of intermittent fasting into daily routines after.
Dr Hala says, “I believe intermittent fasting has so many benefits. While it’s not fit for all individuals, those who can, must definitely consider it. Once you fast for a certain period of time, your body will break down fat as a source of energy and help with weight loss as well.”
“Additionally, your appetite will reduce over time, and the hormones released tend to suppress your appetite and make us feel fuller so we eat less. A lot of patients stay on intermittent fasting even after Ramadan because of physical benefits like improved gut health, energy levels and even mental well-being such as depression and anxiety in some cases.”
To sum it up, fasting during Ramadan can be a tricky situation for patients with diabetes. However, with the right care and medical attention, one can easily navigate the holy month and come out the other side with better health.
For more information, visit hplus.ae
Follow Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life for all the latest news across the capital and beyond
