Diabetics who fast during Ramadan should take necessary precautions and consult their doctor, a Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) official has said.
Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, senior consultant and head of HMC’s endocrinology, diabetes division, said diabetics who choose to fast during the Holy Month should obtain a medical assessment and advice on treatment and dietary adjustments.
“Diabetics who choose to fast need to be aware of the associated risks. They must also be ready to adhere to the recommendations of their healthcare providers in order to achieve a safer fasting experience,” said Dr Zirie.
“A medical assessment and educational counselling on physical activity, meal planning, glucose monitoring and dosage and timing of medications must be part of the process.”
While individuals with Type 1 diabetes are generally advised not to fast, most Type 2 diabetics are able to fast without complications; however, these individuals will require some adjustments in their treatment.
“Having diabetes may place an individual at risk for various complications if the pattern and amount of food and fluid intake is markedly altered,” said Dr Zirie. “Diabetics must take precautions while fasting.”
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and broadly divided into two types. Type 1 diabetes is believed to result from autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, leading to increased blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes occurs when there is a deficiency in insulin or the body does not respond correctly to insulin and is caused by factors such as family history and genetics, low activity level, unhealthy diet and excess body weight.
Dr Zirie advises diabetics who want to fast to monitor their blood glucose regularly and limit the intake of fried, fatty or sugary foods and to choose water or sugar-free drinks.
Diabetics who should avoid fasting include those with poorly-controlled diabetes, elderly patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who take insulin, children under the age of puberty and those who are acutely ill or frail. All pregnant women who take insulin and breastfeeding mothers, whether they have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, are advised against fasting.
A phone-based emergency service, which allows any patient with diabetes, their relatives or caregivers to call and ask for medical advice related to diabetes and fasting, is available. The hotline (55981331) is operational from 8pm to 11pm, seven days a week.