Nutrition consultant: Assessing health status is a lifeline for fasting diabetic patients
Dr. Suha Hashim Abduljawad, a nutrition consultant at Taibah University, explained that diabetic patients should consult a healthcare provider health care The patient should follow up on his condition before starting to fast, stressing the importance of the visit to assess the general health situation, determine the possibility of fasting or not according to the degree of risk, and control the blood sugar level within the target range; which contributes to reducing complications and ensuring a safer fast.
Gradual breakfast
Abdel-Jawad pointed out the need for a diabetic patient's breakfast to be gradual, balanced, and moderate in quantity to avoid a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. She explained that it is best to start with 2-3 small dates with water, then stop to perform the prayer, followed by eating a light soup, with a source of protein such as chicken, fish, or eggs, and choosing complex carbohydrates in a limited quantity with plenty of vegetables.
She directed people to follow a healthy diet during the fasting period, including avoiding high-sugar foods such as Ramadan sweets and sweetened juices, fried foods and high-salt foods, replacing white bread and rice with whole grains in moderate amounts, limiting caffeine at night, and making sure to drink about eight cups of water during the period between Iftar and Suhoor.
Diabetic patient safety
A nutrition consultant at Taibah University emphasized that the health of diabetic patients takes precedence over fasting. She pointed out the necessity of breaking the fast immediately if blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL at any time of day, even without symptoms. She explained that symptoms of hypoglycemia may include tremors, sweating, extreme hunger, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
She added that fasting should also be broken if blood sugar levels exceed 300 mg/dL to avoid the risk of ketoacidosis or severe dehydration. She noted that symptoms of hyperglycemia may include thirst, frequent urination, nausea or vomiting, and fever.
