Fasting is a form of worship that is carried out by enduring hunger and thirst from sunrise to sunset. For people with a healthy body and free of disease, fasting feels quite easy to do. However, it is quite inversely proportional to diabetes sufferers.
During the month of Ramadan, diabetes sufferers may fast, as long as their blood sugar levels are well controlled and they do not have other serious illnesses, such as heart or kidney disease.
For diabetes sufferers, it is very important to regulate your diet during the month of Ramadan, physical activity and medication schedules are also important to pay attention to during fasting. This is done to prevent complications in the form of blood sugar levels dropping drastically or becoming very high.
Symptoms that can be felt due to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are headaches, dizziness, weakness, frequent thirst, seizures, and even unconsciousness. Both are dangerous conditions for diabetes sufferers and require immediate medical treatment.
There are several good tips for diabetes sufferers to apply so that fasting remains safe for their health, namely:
- Don't skip eating sahur
- Avoid overeating at dawn and breaking the fast
- Consume foods that contain lots of fiber
- Avoid fried foods and foods that are too sweet
- Drink enough water at dawn & breaking the fast
- Check blood sugar regularly
- Exercise regularly
- Take medication according to doctor's instructions
- Consult your doctor for recommendations that suit your condition
Diabetics who undergo fasting must maintain blood sugar levels to adjust the dose of diabetes medication they consume. Please remember for diabetes sufferers who are fasting, if blood sugar levels are <70 mg="" dl="" or="">300 mg/dl, do not force yourself to fast and immediately cancel the fast. Because these levels can be a sign that diabetics are experiencing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Article written by dr. Yosephine Yossy, Sp.PD-KEMD (Internal Medicine Specialist - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant, EMC Cikarang Hospital).