Powerful Tips to Prevent Diabetes During the Fasting Month, Do It Immediately

Kapanlagi.com - The month of Ramadan is a blessed and eagerly awaited time for Muslims around the world, including those living with diabetes. However, for diabetes sufferers, observing fasting requires special strategies to maintain stable blood sugar levels and avoid dangerous complications.

Basically, diabetes sufferers can fast safely, as long as their health condition is under control. However, if blood sugar levels are irregular, fasting can risk causing hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (too high blood sugar).

Therefore, it is important for diabetes sufferers to understand how to maintain stable blood sugar levels during this holy month. By applying a healthy eating pattern, paying attention to fluid intake, and following doctors' advice, fasting can be carried out safely and comfortably. Let us welcome Ramadan with enthusiasm and awareness, so that our worship remains meaningful and beneficial!

1. 1. Arrange Your Eating Pattern: Suhoor and Breaking the Fast Wisely

Arranging your eating pattern is the key for diabetes sufferers to fast safely and comfortably. One common mistake is skipping suhoor, even though it is very important for maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Ideally, suhoor should be done close to the time of imsak so that energy can last longer and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Choose foods with a low glycemic index, such as brown rice, whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein, to support health.

When breaking the fast, it is important not to overindulge or consume foods high in sugar and fat; start with a glass of plain water and a few dates, then enjoy a main meal rich in nutrients. To keep metabolism stable, it is recommended to divide meals into four times: suhoor, breaking the fast, dinner, and healthy snacks before bed. This way, fasting can be done better and safely!

2. 2. Pay Attention to Fluid Intake to Avoid Dehydration

In addition to food, fluid intake is also crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels during fasting. Dehydration due to insufficient fluid can trigger unwanted spikes in blood sugar.

Therefore, apply the 4-2-2 drinking pattern: enjoy 4 glasses when breaking the fast, 2 glasses before bed, and 2 glasses during sahur to meet daily hydration needs. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee during sahur, as they can increase the frequency of urination and accelerate dehydration. Choose plain water as the main source of hydration, as sweet drinks can actually cause blood sugar levels to spike suddenly.

3. 3. Do Not Skip Routine Blood Sugar Checks

Monitoring blood sugar levels during fasting is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. By conducting checks, we can identify potential issues such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia before they progress to more serious complications.

Blood sugar checks can be done before sahur, during the day, and after breaking the fast. If your blood sugar level is too low, that is below 300 mg/dL, it is advisable to stop fasting for health reasons.

For diabetes patients using insulin or certain antidiabetic medications, it is very important to consult with a doctor regarding medication dosage adjustments before starting fasting. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, weakness, trembling, or confusion while fasting, check your blood sugar level immediately and consume a light snack if necessary.

4. 4. Adjust Physical Activity to Body Condition

Fasting does not mean you have to stop physical activities, but it is necessary to adjust the type and intensity of exercise to avoid triggering hypoglycemia.

• Engage in light exercise such as walking or yoga at safer times, for example after breaking the fast or before the pre-dawn meal.
• Avoid heavy physical activity close to breaking the fast as it can cause fatigue and a drastic drop in blood sugar levels.

Tarawih prayers can also be a light exercise alternative while serving as worship that helps maintain physical fitness during fasting.

5. 5. Consult a Doctor Before Fasting

Every individual with diabetes has a unique health condition, so consulting with a doctor before deciding to fast is a very wise step. Those who rely on a healthy diet and regularly exercise tend to be better prepared to face the challenges of fasting.

However, for those using antidiabetic medications or insulin, doctors will usually adjust the dosage and timing of medication to align with meal schedules during Ramadan. For patients experiencing complications such as heart or kidney disease, it is important to get an assessment from a doctor to determine whether fasting is safe to undertake or not.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Fasting

1. Can diabetics fast?

Yes, diabetics can fast as long as their blood sugar levels are controlled and they have the approval of a doctor. If blood sugar levels are unstable, fasting can pose a high risk to health.

2. How to prevent hypoglycemia while fasting?

Ensure that you have a pre-dawn meal (sahur) with foods that contain fiber and protein, and monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Avoid heavy physical activities and remember to consume enough water.

3. What are the signs of low blood sugar while fasting?

Signs of hypoglycemia include shaking, sweating, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and intense hunger. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to break your fast immediately with foods that contain natural sugars.

4. Is it allowed to take diabetes medication while fasting?

Yes, but the schedule needs to be adjusted. Usually, diabetes medications taken twice a day are recommended to be taken at iftar and before bedtime, not during sahur.

5. How to manage the diet for diabetics who are fasting?

For diabetics, the diet can be divided into four times: sahur, iftar, dinner, and snacks before bed. Avoid excessive consumption of sweet foods and continue to pay attention to fluid intake.

(kpl/mni)