Welcome Guest! You are here: Home » Health
Experts issue Ramadan guidelines for diabetes patients
Sunday July 7, 2013 8:36 PM, IINA

People suffering from diabetes who intend to fast during the month of Ramadan are being advised to take several precautions by Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), as the number of people suffering from diabetes is increasing sharply every year here, according to a report in The Peninsula newspaper.

The prevalence of diabetes in Qatar was estimated to be 20 percent in 2011, up from 16.7 percent in 2008, and around 215,000 people in the country suffer from the disease, QDA said.

To help these patients, QDA has issued safety measures which will create awareness on the precautionary steps, balanced diet and constant monitoring of the blood sugar level during the month of Ramadan.

People with type 1 diabetes and using insulin are advised not to fast, yet if they are keen it's essential to consult a doctor to determine the ability to fast and get necessary instructions and follow medication as per medical advice, Dr Najaty Bsaiso, member of the Association's scientific committee, said.

Losing weight can lead to better control of diabetes during Ramadan due to a changed diet during the fasting period, but it is important to have a balanced diet that includes all types of food, and to avoid overeating, says Dr Bsaiso.

Fasting can also help maintain greater balance in glucose levels in blood.

Dr Bsaiso advises people with diabetes to have plenty of liquids during the evening, but they should be free of sugar and caffeine to avoid dehydration.

If a person with diabetes decides to fast, consulting a doctor and doing blood tests is necessary because fasting may steeply bring down the glucose level in blood, which can lead to hypoglycaemia.

If symptoms of low blood sugar occur and the level reaches 60 mg/dl, the person should break the fast and take glucose tablets or juice and then have a snack, according to Dr Bsaiso.

"Controlling food is one of the most important elements of managing diabetes. Trying to reduce weight to the ideal weight, avoiding weight gain during Ramadan by decreasing the total amount of food, avoiding eating large quantities during iftar and a light meal for suhoor can help," says Dr Bsaiso.

"We also advise people with diabetes to reduce fat intake by avoiding fried foods and oil, which are frequently consumed during Ramadan, as well as to avoid sugars and sweets, in particular between iftar and suhoor", he said.

Dr Bsaiso suggests eating "food rich in fibre, such as brown bread, as well as a lot of fresh vegetables, because they are rich in fibre, and drinking a lot of fluids and non-sweetened liquids during the evening and with suhoor, especially in this region where temperatures are high and the period of fasting will be long."

People with diabetes can engage in physical activities as usual, but should rest in the afternoon and shouldn't exercise between the Asr and Magreb prayers because the blood sugar level can be low during that time.

Any change in the dosage of medicine during Ramadan would depend on the patient's needs and condition, Dr Bsaiso said.

"A patient who takes Metaformen should take the same dosage, and it should be divided into two by taking it at iftar and suhoor. This is applicable to patients taking Rosuglyatzone and Bioglytizone, but they should seek a doctor's advice as the suhoor dose can be reduced," he said.

"Those who use Fonayloyoria have to see their doctor to change the dosage or medicine, if necessary. The medicine should be taken immediately after Magreb and before iftar if the dosage is low. Large dosages should be divided into two, before iftar and suhoor; the iftar dose should be one-third to two-third bigger than the suhoor dose", he said.




Share this page
 Comments
Note: By posting your comments here you agree to the terms and conditions of www.ummid.com
comments powered by Disqus
Advertisement
| Quick links
About ummid.com
Contact us
Feedback
Subscribe to: RSS » Facebook » Twitter » Newsletter
Ummid.com: Disclaimer | Terms of Use | Advertise with us | Link Exchange
Ummid.com is part of the Awaz Multimedia & Publications providing World News, News Analysis and Feature Articles on Education, Health. Politics, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, Industry etc. The articles or the views displayed on this website are for public information and in no way describe the editorial views. The users are entitled to use this site subject to the terms and conditions mentioned.
© 2012 Awaz Multimedia & Publications. All rights reserved.