Ramadan, Fasting, and Diabetes

Ramadan is underway and if you're Muslim you know about the importance of fasting during Ramadan. During Ramadan it is customary to not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset for 30 days in addition to prayer and other rituals. However, fasting is not suitable for everyone. If you are sick, a young child, pregnant or breastfeeding, or an elder person, you may be exempt form fasting. In addition, it is tradition to provide a meal to a hungry person each day fasting is skipped. More importantly, people living with diabetes are highly discouraged from fasting during Ramadan. Fasting deprives the body of energy which is vital to controlling blood sugars. And Diabetes Mellitus is a complex disease and management of day-to-day blood sugars revolves around the timing of meals, meal size, and the use of oral or injectable medications.

Management of diabetes also includes the practice of healthy lifestyle behaviors which includes regular physical activity, monitoring blood sugars, treatment of low blood sugars, and more. A 30 day fast among someone with diabetes has the potential to drop blood sugars to dangerous levels and can increase risk of long-term conditions related to uncontrolled blood sugars. If you have diabetes or know someone with diabetes and are thinking of fasting for an extended period of time, be sure to discuss your practice with your medical provider and healthcare team prior to beginning a fast. To learn more about Ramadan and fasting, click on the link below.

Till next time, stay healthy and be well!

For more information about Ramadan, check out the link below.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes-fasting/faq-20455907

https://www.eatright.org/health/lifestyle/culture-and-traditions/ramadan--the-practice-of-fasting