Fasting for diabetics: How many dates are allowed? And tips to avoid risks
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the medical and societal debate is renewed regarding safe mechanisms that ensure a healthy fast for diabetic patients without exposing them to serious complications. In this context, Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, emphasized in statements to Al-Youm newspaper that fasting can be completely safe if it is accompanied by awareness and discipline.
This discussion is of paramount importance given the health context in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, where official and international statistics indicate high rates of diabetes. This makes raising awareness about optimal dietary practices during the holy month a pressing national and health necessity. The sudden change in eating and drinking times during Ramadan causes physiological changes in the body, requiring careful adaptation for those with chronic diseases to avoid metabolic shocks.
Guidelines for consuming dates for diabetic patients
Professor Al-Agha clarified a recurring point of contention each year: the permissible quantity of dates at Iftar (the meal to break the fast). He explained that the ideal number should not exceed one to three small dates, depending on blood sugar readings and the patient's treatment plan. The scientific reason behind this strict limitation is that dates contain simple sugars that are rapidly absorbed, which can lead to a sharp and sudden spike in blood glucose (hyperglycemia) at the moment of breaking the fast, posing a direct threat to the stability of the patient's health.
Ramadan table challenges and potential complications
The consultant warned against succumbing to the temptations of the Ramadan table, which is typically laden with carbohydrate and fat-rich foods. He pointed to a list of foods that pose a "silent threat," including highly sweetened juices, soft drinks, syrup-soaked Middle Eastern sweets, and fried foods. Excessive consumption of these foods not only affects the individual but also creates seasonal pressure on hospital emergency departments due to diabetic comas or metabolic disorders that can be prevented through proper nutrition.
He also pointed out the need to avoid strenuous physical exertion during fasting hours or even immediately after breaking the fast, to avoid a sudden drop in blood sugar or dehydration, advising to postpone light exercise until two hours after breaking the fast.
The difference between the first and second types of fasting
Regarding patient classification, Al-Agha explained the fundamental difference in treatment; type 1 patients, who are entirely insulin-dependent, require very close medical monitoring and are often only permitted to fast if their cumulative blood sugar levels have been stable in recent months. Type 2 patients, on the other hand, have greater flexibility to fast safely, provided they adhere to their medication and a balanced diet.
He concluded by emphasizing that Ramadan is a month of balance, not deprivation, and that adhering to these guidelines enhances the quality of life of a diabetic patientand prevents worship from becoming a health burden, which is in line with general health trends to promote prevention and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
