Healthy Lifestyle

Guidelines for Fasting When You Have Diabetes

When it comes to fasting, diabetics need extensive planning and help of a good diabetologist. This is because there are certain risks associated with fasting for diabetics. Ensuring that the blood sugar stays in a normal range is important during a fast.

Risks associated with fasting for diabetics:

Fasting, if combined with exertion, can dangerously lower the blood glucose levels of a diabetics. This is especially true for diabetics on medication called sulfonylureas and on insulin. For people who have a well-maintained disease, the risk might not be too great, but patients with widely fluctuating blood sugar might be advised against fasting.

Another risk with fasting in diabetes is a very high level of blood glucose. If the patient is not taking medication or insulin during the fasting hours, the glucose level can naturally run very high.

This is turn, can cause a condition known as ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetics. Ketoacidosis is a potentially dangerous condition in which there is a buildup of ketones in the body, and an increased requirement of insulin. Symptoms include intense thirst, extreme tiredness and frequent urination.

Guidelines for diabetics:

Diabetics should be properly educated about their condition and its consequences by their healthcare team. Before the fasting month, the patient should consult his healthcare team and have a proper check-up. Only if his doctor gives the go-ahead should the patient fast.

Patient should be thoroughly guided by the healthcare team on which mediation to take and on what time. Doses and types of mediation and their timing can be changed at the discretion of the diabetic team.

Once the patient starts fasting, he should frequently check the blood sugar level throughout the day and ensure that it stays between the normal ranges. If it is running slightly high, the patient can take a stroll to bring it down. Alternatively, if the blood sugar is low, then resting or taking a break can help.

At suhoor, diabetics should incorporate foods that slowly release their energy and have low glycemic index. Low glycemic index diet refers to foods that don’t raise the blood glucose to very high levels. Fiber rich food can also help, as it slowly releases energy. Protein is also a good source as it is high in energy and can provide nourishment throughout the day.

At the time of breaking fast, diabetics should eat a varied and balanced diet. Fatty and sugar food should always be avoided by diabetics, but especially so during ramazan. Furthermore, proper hydration is very important for diabetics. This is because diabetics risk losing water when the blood glucose is running very high. Thus to prevent that and to protect the kidneys, diabetics should drink plenty of non-caffeinated, and non-sugary drinks.

What to do when blood sugar runs very low?

Diabetics should be frequently checking their blood sugar when they are fasting. If they experience low blood sugar, and feel shaky, sweaty and disoriented, they should immediately break their fast and take their glucose tablet or a sugary drink. Extremely low blood sugar can prove dangerous and should be tackled immediately.

If you need further help managing your diabetes, then discuss your health issues with a general physician. Book an appointment with top diabetes specialist in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are intended to raise awareness about common health issues and should not be viewed as sound medical advice for your specific condition. You should always consult with a licensed medical practitioner prior to following any suggestions outlined in this article or adopting any treatment protocol based on the contents of this article.

Recent Articles

8 Important Health Checkup Tests Everyone Should Get

An annual health check-up consists of a group of common lab tests to check your…

Published On August 4, 2025

Peela Yarkan (Jaundice) – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Have your eyes and skin suddenly turned a yellowish color? Are you worried about what…

Published On July 31, 2025

Garma Fruit in English: Top 5 Benefits of Cantaloupe

In the summer heat, our body requires foods with high water content, vitamins, minerals, and…

Published On July 29, 2025

Surbex Z – Uses & Benefits | Expert-Backed Guide 2025

Do you feel overly fatigued, have poor hair, skin, or nail health, or get sick…

Published On July 28, 2025

Top 7 Best Summer Fruits in Pakistan

The rising temperatures during summers in Pakistan bring extreme heat with prolonged days. Fortunately, Pakistan…

Published On July 24, 2025

Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Which is Right for You in Pakistan?

Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and make you feel conscious about your appearance.…

Published On July 21, 2025
Find & Book the best "General Physician" near you
Book Appointment