Diabetic patients need to take special measures during Ramazan

[Night_Hawk]

Diabetic patients need to take special measures during Ramazan

By A Reporter

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ISLAMABAD: Diabetic patients should consult the doctors before observing fast in the month of Ramazan, as repeated disturbances in diabetes control can result in permanent complications.

Endocrinologist Dr Usama Ishtiaq was speaking to a seminar titled Roza aur Sehat held to educate the diabetic patients, who intend to observe a fast, at a local hospital on Tuesday.


He said Diabetic patients have the risk of low blood sugars, very high blood sugars, dehydration and sometimes acidosis (presence of increased acids in the blood). But not all patients have similar risks. Therefore, we recommend that all diabetic patients should consult their treating doctors and discuss their risks.


He said around 40 to 50 million Muslims with diabetes fast during Ramazan around the world. It is difficult to keep diet and blood glucose levels under control while fasting.


He said that frequent disturbance in diabetes may harm ones health permanently. So patients should adjust insulin during Ramazan to be able to observe a fast.


Dr Zainab Ghayyor advised patients to improve and maintain nutritional status during Ramazan fasting.


Drug doses should be adjusted according to diet. Patients should not over eat at the time of Sehar and Iftar. We have to change our lifestyle to live a better life with diabetes, she suggested.


Religious Scholar Azmatullah Qureshi said that there was no excuse for not observing a fast during minor diseases like flu or fever.
However, one who cannot observe a fast due to serious health conditions has to compensate by providing two meals for a needy person as fidya for one fast.


He said mothers can skip a fast during lactation. But they will have to observe fasting afterward or give fidya.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1115017/diabetic-patients-need-to-take-special-measures-during-ramazan

 

[Night_Hawk]

[h=1]WMN Letters: Ramadan fasting danger for diabetics[/h] By Western Morning News | Posted: June 23, 2014

As Ramadan approaches, your Muslims readers who have diabetes may be thinking about whether or not they should fast.

This year, fasting periods could last more than 17 hours, which can be dangerous or cause health problems for people with diabetes, particularly if they manage their condition with insulin or certain medicine as they may be at increased risk of dehydration and extreme high and low blood glucose levels.
We want to spread the message that if people with diabetes do decide to fast during this period – and they don’t have to – then they should eat food that is absorbed relatively slowly, such as basmati rice, pitta bread chapattis and dhal, before they begin the fast.
These types of foods and fruits and vegetables can help keep blood glucose levels more even during the fast. It’s important to check blood glucose levels more frequently than usual so that people can, if necessary, break the fast if their blood glucose level drops too low. Many Muslims think that testing blood is considered breaking the fast, but this is not the case.
It’s also a good idea to break the fast with a handful of dates and a glass of milk or water and to choose healthier options such as vegetables and fruit. People should also try to eat these kinds of foods again towards the end of the feasting period, just before sunrise, and they should drink plenty of sugar free fluids to avoid dehydration.
Muslims with diabetes who are deciding whether to fast during Ramadan should speak to their Imam and healthcare professional or call the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960. They can also download information on fasting safely throughout Ramadan at www.diabetes.org.uk/ramadan . This will help them get the information they need to make the decision that is right for them.



Read more at http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk...1278376-detail/story.html#eF2IkC6PuEbc3pwO.99