As we all know, fasting is mandatory during Ramadan for all healthy Muslim adults. However, fasting can be challenging for diabetic patients and for healthcare professionals to manage. Fasting is associated with elevated risk of developing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels) and dehydration.
Talk to your doctor or your pharmacist for a pre-Ramadan medical assessment. Healthcare professionals are capable of screening your health condition and helping you to manage your blood sugar level during Ramadan. Your risk during Ramadan depends on the following risk factors:
A group of oral diabetes medications known as Sulfonylurea has a higher risk of causing critically low blood sugar levels as compared to other oral diabetes medications.
Tip: How to know if you are taking one of Sulfonylureas? If you are taking a diabetes medication that is to be taken before meal daily, it is likely to be one of Sulfonylureas. Ask your pharmacist to know more!
Fluctuating blood glucose level puts you at a higher risk
Hypertension, high cholesterol levels, etc
Blood glucose monitoring is crucial during Ramadan. Blood glucose check needs to be done immediately when symptoms of hypoglycaemia arise such as sweating, dizziness, feeling shaky or tired. This is especially true for patients on insulin. For patients on insulin, the frequency of blood glucose check depends on the type of insulin the patient is currently on.
Want to know which category (intermediate/long, premixed or rapid/short acting) the insulin you are using falls under? Ask your pharmacist today!
Many are discouraged to practice regular blood glucose monitoring due to the fear of finger pricking. This concern is ameliorated by new and improved lancing devices such as OneTouch Delica. OneTouch Delica has an Advanced Glide Control System which guides the lancet precisely in a swift, straight motion for a smooth and stable lancing experience. This system also controls vibration for smooth and precise lancing.
Blood glucose meters such as OneTouch Select Simple and OneTouch Ultra Plus Flex also help to make tracking your blood sugar easier and faster. The OneTouch Ultra Plus Flex meter requires only a simple 2-step testing, easier to understand with ColorSure™ technology that shows when you’re in or out of range, and has a higher accuracy.
Supper after Terawih (supererogatory prayers) as a pre-bed snack can be considered.
Light and moderate exercise is recommended. Avoid vigorous exercise during the day as this increases the risk of hypoglycaemia. Preferably 1-2 hours after Iftar. Performance of Terawih prayers is a form of physical activity
Criteria to terminate fasting:
Many antidiabetic medications require adjustments during Ramadan. Some require omission of a dose, some involve dose-lowering while others involve changing the administration time. This is a complex topic so make sure you consult your healthcare provider.
Diabetes management during Ramadan is complex and requires an individualised approach. That is what makes it so important for diabetic patients preparing for Ramadan to plan ahead with the help of a pharmacist. CARiNG Pharmacy offers free consultation to all with concern of blood sugar control during Ramadan.
OneTouch New User Program – Purchase 2 boxes of OneTouch Ultra Plus Strip 25’s at any CARiNG Pharmacy and get an OneTouch Ultra Plus Flex meter for FREE!
*Valid until 31 December 2021.
Visit any CARiNG Pharmacy store for more information.
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