DecideTM shares guidelines for diabetics during Ramadan

Dubai, UAE, June 25th, 2013: DecideTM Diabetes Programme supported by its partners MPC, Merck Serono and Lifescan, has regularly assisted the medical fraternity by imparting and sharing knowledge on diabetes and ways to handle those affected by it. This time around as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, DecideTM aims to spread the message across to diabetic patients. DecideTM advises Type 1 diabetic patients not to fast while Type 2 patients can fast only after they have consulted their doctor. 

The DecideTM team stated that, “Checking one’s blood sugar level while fasting is a must. Diabetic patients should ensure that their condition is well controlled on diet and/or medication. Before Iftar (evening meal) and Suhour (morning meal) they should monitor their blood glucose level and three hours after Iftar or as suggested by the consulting doctor. They should lead and implement a balanced diet as per the doctor or the nutritionist’s recommendations. Type 2 diabetic patients should delay Suhour as much as possible and should ensure that they have Iftar on time apart from keeping the body hydrated by drinking enough fluids to detoxify the digestive system.”

Decide™ not only seeks to educate people affected by diabetes, but is also involved in helping family members understand how they can better support those who live with the condition. This is attained through promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical exercise and overall management and monitoring of the various areas of the body that can be impacted by diabetes.  

Decide™ team stated, “If there are complications associated with diabetes, such as kidney or heart disease, the risk of aggravating is quite high and one shouldn’t consider fasting”.

It would be helpful if one engages in some kind of mild exercise, such as brisk walking or stretching. With the blend of a balanced diet and exercise, one can monitor one’s weight during Ramadan. Ramadan is actually a great opportunity for people who would like to reduce their weight by curbing their food intake and increasing exercises. Simple carbohydrates or fast-digesting foods may be better taken at Iftar to rapidly restore blood glucose levels, especially for diabetic patients (using insulin). Fast-burning foods include foods that contain sugar and white flour. Apart from food, organization of daily schedule is a must so that enough sleep is obtained.

“After meeting and consulting with your doctor, if one decides to fast, then there are certain things to be kept in mind. If you are consuming insulin, less insulin would be required before the start of the fast. The usual type of insulin being used may have to be changed. During fasting it is not recommended not to use pre-mixed insulin. Before starting the fast, one should consume more slowly absorbed food such as lentil soup, pitta bread, rice in the meal along with vegetables and fruits. The blood glucose levels should be monitored more than a normal routine. Breaking the fast should ideally include taking small quantities of food and avoiding sweet or fatty food. Before you initiate the next day’s fast try to eat just before sunrise. At the end of the fast, one should drink plenty of decaffeinated and sugar-free fluids to avoid dehydration,” added the Decide™ team.
    
“Diabetes and other medical conditions can be prevented by self-discipline such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, keeping a tab on eating habits and exercising daily. People should gear themselves during the holy month of Ramadan and discipline their lifestyle as the body shifts gear into a different phase altogether,” concluded the Decide™ team.