Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the obligations of Muslims. However, for diabetics, many may still hesitate to fast.
Fasting becomes risky if people with diabetes do not apply the right diet. If you who suffer from diabetes decide to fast, you should first identify what the risks are and how to avoid them.
Here are fasting tips for diabetics, which have been reported by us from various sources. Come on!
1. Consuming Sufficient Water To Fulfill Your Fluid Needs
Fasting tips for diabetics, the first is that they must remember to consume water during sahur and iftar. To meet the fluid needs in the body, it is advisable to drink water compared to other beverage options.
When fasting but the weather is hot, it is advisable to stay indoors. Avoid physical activity for a while to avoid losing fluids in the body.
2. Avoid Overeating and Drinking
Iftar often makes us eat a variety of foods and drinks, after a day of fasting. Many people find it difficult to control their food and drink intake when breaking their fast.
It should be avoided by people with diabetes. You have to maintain a diet in order to prevent the increase in blood sugar. Consult a doctor regarding the right diet.
3. Consult a Doctor to Check Blood Sugar
Before deciding to fast, you should consult a doctor to check blood sugar first. Diabetics should not fast because their condition must be monitored first.
Citing CNN Indonesia, if the blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) or more than 300 mg/dL (hyperglycemia), it is recommended to break the fast.
If allowed by the doctor to fast, the doctor will later give advice on food management, medication administration, and warnings so that you can check your blood sugar independently at home.
4. Pay attention to the nutritional content in food to stay balanced
For diabetics, it is important to pay attention to the nutritional content of food when breaking the fast. A diet rich in carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber, and micro-nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and fiber) is a top priority when breaking the fast and sahur.
Carbohydrate sources also need to be considered, the food intake should meet 45-50% carbohydrates from total calories. As for protein, preferably 20-30% of total calories.
Lastly, people with diabetes should not skip fat intake. However, the fat consumed should be less than 35% of the daily calorie requirement. The type of fat consumed should be unsaturated fat, which can be found from fatty fish, olive oil, and vegetable oils.