Managing fasting as a diabetic

With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan expected to start around 18 June, an estimated 40 to 50 million diabetic Muslims around the world will be among those fasting from sunrise to sunset for a month.

South African nutritional consultant, Vanessa Ascencao

Without the correct nutrition and lifestyle choices, type 2 diabetics may place their health in danger by fasting (see Evaluating the Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Muslim Patients with Diabetes and Review of diabetes management and guidelines during Ramadan).

South African nutritional consultant, Vanessa Ascencao says the risks of fasting for those who have health conditions may include low or high blood sugar levels due to limited physical activity, overeating when breaking fast, not taking medication on time, hypoglycaemia or dehydration (Ramadan and Diabetes.

In addition to consulting your GP, Ascencao suggests the following tips for diabetics wanting to fast safely:

Check your blood glucose levels frequently.
Do not stop taking your medication.
Increase your intake of green vegetables, healthy fats like seeds, nuts and avocado, low GL fruit and natural whole foods.
Have your first meal in the morning instead of late at night to help keep your blood sugar balanced.
When breaking fast, have smaller quantities of food and avoid eating sweet or fatty foods.
Increase your intake of water.
Choose sugar free drinks and replace sugar with a natural sweetener such as Xylitol or stevia.
Use coconut oil for cooking and do not heat olive oil, simply use over a salad.
Try to be consistent with your diet and lifestyle and try not to overindulge with sweet treats on Eid day.
Try the Diabecinn range of products for type 2 diabetes to help balance blood sugar levels (www.diabecinn.co.za).
Try Marcus Rohrer Spirulina for overall health and boosted energy.