Ramadan is a period of fasting, dedication, magnanimity, and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. Fasting is full-term temperance from food and drinks between dawn to dusk. Muslims aim for health and well-being along with self-restraint and maintaining a healthy living lifestyle choice, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical and mental exercise during Ramadan. Achieving the best in your health, wellness, and spirituality, we would like to ensure you get good nutrition and stay healthy throughout this divine month.

After Suhoor, the body utilizes the storage nutrients to keep our blood sugar levels to normal. But for most of them, it is not hazardous except for those who with Type 2 Diabetes and on tablets or insulin. For those suffering from diabetes, the body is not able to utilize the glucose well hence there are increased chances of getting hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) leading to dehydration. So prior to fasting you must consult your GP or Internal Medicine Specialist and assess and adjust your medication and insulin.

Balanced food and fluid intake with proper timed medication can lead you to a healthy and safe path of holy Ramadan. The diet should be modest. Meals should be balanced by including all the food groups every time you eat. People with diabetes can split their morning meals into two in order to arrest the fasting hour hypoglycemic attacks.

WHAT TO HAVE DURING SUHOUR :

During Suhour include:

•    Fibre rich foods – whole wheat chapatis, brown rice, wholemeal bread, pasta, pita bread, oats, bran flakes,

•    lentils, beans, vegetables and

•    fruits like pear, apple, orange, banana, apricot, peaches (single serving) etc.

•    Eating protein rich foods along with high fibre foods will provide a bank of lasting energy and needed vitamins

They are slowly digested and will give a sustained flow of energy throughout the day. Taking a snack meal just before sunrise will help in maintaining the sugar levels and make you feel less hungry.

What to have during Iftar:

During Iftar include:

•    Open with not more than 2 dates along with a glass of water.

•    Warm bowl of plain but not creamed or canned soup

•    Include more vegetables

•    Good sources of protein like low fat dairy products, egg white, chick pea, fish, pulses, soya, lean meat, skinless chicken

•    A portion of fruit

Ideally Iftar meal should be split into a snack meal and a main meal. After the Magrib prayer you can have the main meal in a balanced form.

Managing your insulin between Taraweeh prayers

Diabetic patients planning for Taraweeh must adjust their insulin dosage because chances of hypoglycemia and risk of dehydration persists.

Fruit, two high fibre biscuits or a cup of low fat milk before the prayer to prevent chances of low blood sugar.

Avoid over eating during Iftar so that you can avoid hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). This imbalance of sugar levels can affect your internal organs like kidney, eyes and nerves. Hence eat moderately and as split meals.

Managing your medication during Ramadan

Pregnant women, people with gestational diabetes and Type 1 diabetes are normally exempted from fasting. Type 2 diabetic patients must consult the GP or internal medicine specialist and continue their medication as per advice. Diabetic patients with kidney disease and associated health issues should undergo fasting under medical supervision. In cases where you experience extreme fatigue, ie blood sugar levels below 70mg/dl you must break your fast and replenish your glucose levels as continuing the fast may be ill-advised. Seek medical attention immediately in such cases.

Ramadan is a good time to shape up your lifestyle by adopting a healthy eating pattern for yourself and the people around you.