Posted by Fatima Khalil
Friday, March 24, 2023 09:00 AM
A radical change occurs in the routine and lifestyle in the month of Ramadan and meal times change, which may affect the glucose levels of diabetics, so it should be known Diabetics Ways in which they can fast and eat a healthy Iftar and Suhoor during the month of Ramadan, according to the “Times of India” website.
It is essential to consult your doctor before fasting to understand any risks and so that you have a plan ready to manage your diabetes in the best way possible. For people with controlled diabetes, there are steps they can take to manage their sugar levels, especially while fasting during Ramadan.
There are many healthy eating habits that people should follow in the periods between Suhoor and Iftar.
Don’t Forget to Monitor Your Fasting Blood Glucose You can easily do this on the go, as CGM options are now available in addition to traditional fingerstick blood glucose meters.
It is also important to take your doctor’s advice to understand any changes needed with medications.
During the fasting period, using measures such as the time in range through a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) machine can be very helpful when it comes to diabetes management.
Time in range is the percentage of time that an individual’s glucose levels are within a specified range (usually 70 – 180 mg/dL).
Checking blood sugar readings more often is associated with a greater time in range, which can improve glucose control and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
Sugar should be in the range for 17 out of 24 hours each day.
Besides, there are some essential things that diabetics should keep in mind while celebrating Ramadan. Here are some tips to control diabetes while celebrating Ramadan this year:
1- Eat an energy-enhancing suhoor meal
Include more starchy, high-fiber foods that release energy slowly, from oats and multigrain bread to brown or basmati rice, along with vegetables and lentils. You also get proteins like fish, tofu and nuts for energy.
Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda, etc.
2- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly:
Checking your glucose levels frequently is essential, and there are more ways to do this from the comfort of your own home. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) wearables provide a simple option for people with diabetes to access real-time glucose readings and trends, such as while fasting or at breakfast time all while avoiding the painful pincers that come with traditional glucose testing options.
3- Eat breakfast properly
The fast is usually broken with dates and milk, which you can follow along with complex carbohydrates. Make sure to hydrate yourself as well. Eat sweet, fried or oily foods in moderation, as they can affect your health.
Fruit before bed can also help keep sugar levels up until the early morning.
4- Follow a light exercise routine:
You should continue the physical activity but reduce the intensity to avoid extra effort. You can try simple exercises, walking or yoga. Resistance training can also help you avoid muscle loss and build strength at this time.
5- Sleep well.
Adequate hours of sleep – of good quality – are key to health and wellness especially during Ramadan when your pre-dawn meal is key to maintaining your energy, getting enough sleep is key.
This also helps avoid sleep deprivation, which can affect your hunger. This can also support metabolism and help regulate blood glucose levels, which is crucial when managing diabetes.
