Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the obligations of Muslims around the world. But for diabetics, it takes some preparation before fasting so as not to cause complications that endanger health due to disturbed metabolic processes.
In principle, diabetics may practice fasting, provided their blood sugar levels are well controlled and do not have other serious illnesses, such as heart or kidney disease.
For diabetics, dietary settings, physical activity, and medication schedule are important to consider during fasting. This is done to prevent complications in the form of blood sugar levels drop dramatically (hypoglycemia) or it becomes very high (hyperglycemia).
Symptoms that can be felt due to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are headaches, dizziness, weakness, frequent thirst, seizures, until unconsciousness. Both are dangerous conditions in diabetics and need immediate medical attention.
Fasting Tips for People with Diabetes
The following are tips for diabetics to keep fasting safely:
1. Don't skip the meal
Eating dawn is done early in the morning often missed. For diabetics, meal time should not be missed so that sufficient energy reserves during fasting and hypoglycemia does not occur.
2. Keep eating 3 times a day
Breakfast can be replaced with a meal, lunch is replaced with a meal when breaking the fast, and dinner is done after Tarawih prayers. When eating suhoor, it is recommended to approach the Ruling time or Fajr time. Whereas when breaking the fast is recommended as soon as possible. This is done so that blood sugar levels do not drop too long.
3. Avoid overeating at dawn and breaking the fast
Adjusting the size of the meal is very important to control blood sugar levels and body weight. Although the body is hungry, it is advisable not to eat too much when breaking the fast. Start with takjil, then consume balanced nutritious food in moderation.
4. Consumption of foods that contain lots of fiber
Fibrous food gives you a longer full feeling. Fibrous foods, such as brown rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruit, are recommended for more consumption when eating a meal.
5. Avoid fried foods and foods that are too sweet
Eating fried foods causes accumulation of fat in the body, and indirectly will increase blood sugar levels. In addition, diabetics are also advised not to eat foods that are too sweet to keep blood sugar levels stable.
6. Drink enough water
Adequacy of fluids is important to prevent dehydration. Consumption of water is recommended, rather than sugary drinks or drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee and tea. Caffeinated drinks cause more urination, triggering dehydration.
7. Check blood sugar regularly
Blood sugar checks can be done alone at home with a blood sugar meter. Blood sugar checks can be done 2-4 times a day, that is after dawn, during fasting, and after breaking the fast.
This is important to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. If your blood sugar level is less than 70 mg / dl or more than 300 mg / dl, it is recommended to cancel fasting.
8. Exercise regularly
Exercising during fasting is good for maintaining fitness, provided it is not excessive. For diabetics, excessive physical activity can cause hypoglycemia. Tarawih Prayers performed after breaking the fast can be used as a form of exercise as well as worship.
9. Take medications according to doctor's instructions
During fasting, diabetics need to continue taking drugs given by doctors. If necessary, the doctor will reset the medication consumption schedule to match the eating schedule during the fasting month.
Each person's body condition is different, so it is advisable to consult with a doctor before fasting. The examination should be done at least 2 months before the fasting month arrives.
The doctor will do a physical examination, evaluate your blood sugar, and determine whether your body is safe for fasting. If blood sugar levels are well controlled, fasting certainly can be done without obstacles.
If when fasting, you feel dizzy, headache, fatigue, heart palpitations, cold sweat, trembling body, and as if you're about to faint, stop fasting immediately and see yourself to the nearest doctor.
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