Department of General Medicine
Managing Diabetes During Ramadan Advice for our patients We recommend that you share your intention to fast during Ramadan at least 2-3 months in advance. Please check with your doctor on how to fast safely during Ramadan. Fasting is not recommended if you: • Have frequent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) for the last 3 months & recurrent
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Have poorly controlled diabetes & Diabetic Ketoacidosis (life threatening form of high glucose) within 3 months to Ramadan
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Have not been following advice on diet, medication and daily activities
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Have complications such as moderate or severe heart or kidney problems related to Diabetes
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Are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Have risk of dehydration and history of blockage of blood vessels
Managing Diabetes During Ramadan
Diet Meal planning, adequate nutrition & hydration (unless contraindicated) Exercise Light and moderate exercise is safe; but vigorous exercise is not recommended as it may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia
Sick Day You should break your fast if you are unwell (eg. fever, flu, diarrhoea) or experience any of the following symptoms and please consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms Hypoglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia
Blood sugar level: < 4.0mmol/L
Blood sugar level: > 16.0mmol/L
• • • • • • • • •
Sweating Feeling tired / weakness Hunger Shakiness Irritability Confusion Fast heartbeat Blurred vision Loss of consciousness
• • • • •
Increased thirst Frequent urination Fatigue Headache Loss of concentration
Dehydration
• • • • • •
Monitoring
Frequent blood glucose monitoring during Ramadan is advised at the following times: • Before start of fast (before Sahur) • During fast around 12 pm -2 pm (during mid-day) • Before breaking fast (before Iftar).
Medication
Discuss your medication changes for Ramadan with your healthcare provider.
Post Ramadan Advice
• Resume medication regimen to pre-Ramadan schedule • Avoid over eating with resultant hyperglycemia during the Hari Raya festival
Thirst Dry mouth Muscle cramps Nausea Vomiting Fast heartbeat
Tips on Drinking 8 Glasses of Water during the Fasting Month
1 GLASS After waking up for Sahur
1 GLASS After Maghrib prayer call
1 GLASS After Sahur
1 GLASS
1 GLASS
After Maghrib Prayers
After meal
1 GLASS
1 GLASS
After Isyak Prayers
After Terawih prayers
1 GLASS
CONGRATULATIONS!
Adequate daily water intake
Before Bedtime
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