Introduction
The holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important and reflective times in the Islamic calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran. In the Quran Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:
“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.”[Quran 2:185]
Poor control of Diabetes during Ramadan:
People who have their diabetes under control using tablets should ensure that they visit their family doctor prior to Ramadan, in order to discuss any possible changes to their drug regime which would facilitate a safe fast. If not, such patients are at risk of poor control of their diabetes during and outside the fasting times.
Those injecting insulin are advised not to fast, as the potential risk to health, both in the short and long term, of not taking insulin is too great.
Regular self-monitoring of your blood glucose is strongly advised. Low blood sugar levels (a ‘hypo’) are dangerous, and if untreated may lead to fainting or fits, and hence must be strictly avoided. Feeling dizzy, sweaty and disorientated may all suggest a hypo. If this is suspected, you should immediately have a sugary drink, or place sugar or a sugar-rich sweet below the tongue.
Diabetics with further complications, such as angina or heart failure, stroke, retinopathy (eye disease), nephropathy (kidney disease) or neuropathy (nerve disease of feet/hands with numbness/loss of feeling) should seek careful advice from their doctor before starting a fast.
Diabetacare:
Diabetacare services have been developed by the team of eminent clinicians from UK & India who are renowned leaders in certain specific aspects of Diabetes Management.
Observing this month long fast can adversely affect the health of people with diabetes. You must speak to your diabetes doctor or nurse before you fast. They can check how well your body is coping with the diabetes.
Hence, Diabetacare is here to help them manage your Diabetes worries by offering:
Medication changes – During Ramadan, you might have to change your medication, as well as the dosage, as your meal pattern changes from 3 course meal to 2 course meal a day. Our Diabetes Specialist Doctors can help you with these changes.
Monitor Blood Glucose – Since you do not eat anything between Suhoor and Iftar, your blood glucose level can be low at times and very high at times too. Hence Diabetacare can help you by remotely monitoring your blood glucose level, ensuring a safe and healthy Ramadan.
Diet Plan – Nutrition plays a key role in Diabetes management. Hence it is essential to know what to eat and what not to eat during Ramadan. Our Diabetes Specialist Nutritionists can help you by planning the best diet plan for you.
dCare Expert Education Program: Diabetacare will organise special training program by a team of specially trained Nurses, Nutritionists and Doctors from UK on Diabetes Management during Ramadan. This is an opportunity for you to learn how to successfully observe a sweet & safe fast during Ramadan.
Medication Reminder: Taking medicines in a timely manner is critical to regulate your blood glucose level. Hence Diabetacare offers Medication Reminder service during this Ramadan period to ensure your blood glucose level is under control.
Diabetacare suggest the following changes to your treatment:
Diet only – People who manage their Diabetes by what they eat and the amount of physical activity they do, should be able to fast during Ramadan. It is still important to monitor what you eat. At the end of a fast and you should avoid eating too much sugary and fried food.
Medication – You might have to change your medication as well as the dosage as your meal pattern changes from a 3 meal per day course to a 2 meal per day. Change of medication will be based on doctor’s advice
Insulin — You may be advised not to fast if you take insulin. If you wish to fast, then you must speak to your doctor or nurse about the type of insulin and amount of insulin you need.
By Diabetacare
Courtesy:Karnataka Muslims
http://karnatakamuslims.com/portal/holy-month-of-ramadan-and-diabetes/