Fasting Diabetics Should Take Care Over What They Eat at Iftar

Type 2 diabetic patients should avoid foods with a high glycaemic index, says doctor

Dubai, United Arab Emirates : Muslims with type 2 diabetes who intend to fast during Ramadan should take special heed of the foods they eat during Iftar, says a leading UAE-based expert on the condition.  

Dr. Salem Beshyah, Consultant Endocrinologist, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, says that diabetic patients who break their fast by gorging on foods with a high glycaemic index will cause their blood sugar levels to shoot sky high, leading to food cravings later when they swiftly drop.

“The glycaemic index is a measure of how quickly blood sugar levels rise after a person eats a particular type of food,” said Dr. Beshyah. “Different foodstuffs have markedly different effects on blood glucose levels, with refined carbohydrates such as rice and bread causing big spikes and then sudden drops in blood sugar levels. For an individual with type 2 diabetes this is especially unwelcome, as their blood glucose levels are already raised,” he added.

Type 2 diabetic individuals are those whose bodies produce insufficient levels of insulin to properly regulate their blood sugar levels, meaning that the sugar in their blood is generally unhealthily high. Over time, this ‘sticky' blood can damage vessels in the heart, kidneys, eyes and extremities, so those with the condition need to take care with their diet, regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and in some cases, take oral medication to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.

To avoid blood sugar levels spiking after Iftar, Dr. Beshyah recommends that foods with a low glycaemic index are eaten at the breaking of the fast. These have their glucose bound up with fibre, meaning it is released much more slowly into the blood stream.

“Individuals with type 2 diabetes who are breaking their fast should consider eating beans and legumes, such as kidney beans, lentils, almonds, peanuts, walnuts and chickpeas, as these release their sugar content over a much longer period,” said Dr. Beshyah. “Other good examples of low glycaemic foods include seeds, vegetables, fruit, wholemeal pasta and brown rice. Filling up on dishes with these ingredients will provide sustained energy and minimise the likelihood of hunger pangs striking after suhour,” he added.

According to Dr. Julio Maset, R&D&I Manager in Cinfa, a Spanish pharmaceutical company that produces medication to treat type 2 diabetes, patients with the condition can participate in the Ramadan observances provided they adhere to their prescribed medication and consult their family doctor about their intentions to receive the appropriate diet advice.

“Individuals with type 2 diabetes should continue to follow the treatment regimens as prescribed by their doctors and schedule a consultation to discuss their intentions during the Holy Month,” said Khalid Amin, Regional Director of Cinfa. “Oral medications to treat the diabetes type 2 should be continued as prescribed unless stopped by their physician. There is usually no reason why Muslims with type 2 diabetes can't fast and join in with the spiritual requirements of Ramadan,” he added.

About Cinfa

Cinfa is a Spanish pharmaceutical company with more than 40 years of expertise in the industry. It has a professional team of 900 workers motivated by a common health project: giving people access to affordable and high quality treatments. In order to achieve this goal, it has the most advanced technologies and facilities.

Cinfa is the most bought pharmaceutical brand in Spanish homes. It is present in 50 countries and currently expanding internationally. Its portfolio comprises five lines of products: prescription drugs, OTCs, orthopaedics, dermocosmetics and nutraceutical solutions.

Its commitment with innovation, international expansion and environmental issues are the mainstays of the company.

For more information please visit www.cinfainternational.com