As the holy month of Ramadan draws closer,it is estimated that 40-50 million people with diabetes worldwide will abstaining from food, drink and oral medications from dawn to dusk during the auspicious period, which is set to start onFriday, May 26, subject to the sighting of the new moon, to Saturday, June 24.
Global healthcare leader, Lilly Medical Professionals has supported conversation maps to raise awareness among their patients on how to fast safely and avoid potential diabetic complications. Providing healthcare professionals with the right tools and resources, including time and personnel to educate patients and encourage them to discuss a treatment plan for fasting during Ramadan has been a key focus area for Lilly.
Although the Quran specifically exempts people with a medical condition from the duty of fasting,many people living with diabetes still choose to fast despite the health risks.
Medical director of Lilly South Africa, Dr Aneesa Sheik said, Fasting presents significant challenges for people living with diabetes in terms of managing blood sugar levels, which is why its essential to consult with their doctor well in advance of the holy month of Ramadan to find out if they can fast and if so, plan a way to do it safely. The lack of food and water during the day, along with the heavy meals eatenbefore and after fasting at suhoor and iftharcan create serious health issues for people living with diabetes, as they are faced with major disruptions to their diet and daily routines. This can lead to serious complications among which are low or high blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of severe low blood sugar levels for individuals with type one or type two diabetes, especially for those who change the dosages of their oral medications or insulin one or two.
Dr Sheik further explained the effects of low blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that are too low and left untreated can causeconfusion, clumsiness, or fainting, and in the case of severe low blood sugar, can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.A high blood sugar level can damage blood vessels, and over a long period of time can result in serious complications, including irreversible organ damage. In general, fasting is very challenging for people living with diabetes, particularly patients with type one diabetics, who are dependent on insulin. If you have type one diabetes, your doctor will want to ensure thatblood sugar is regularly monitored to prevent any health risks, and may even need to adjust insulin doses according to your food intake and activity. Fasting with type two diabetes can also be risky, especially if you have poorly controlled diabetes. It is important to remember that your prescribed medication may also influence your ability to fast. Muslims with diabetes who wish to fast must plan diligently and well in advance for a safe and healthy Ramadan, added Dr Sheik.
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Organisation supports diabetics during the month of Ramadan - Rising Sun Chatsworth
