By Mohd Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: If you are a diabetic patient, then you need to avoid intake of dates (Khajoor) which are the most preferred thing during Iftaar as it could increase your sugar level, said diabetologist Dr AK Tewari. He was delivering a lecture on precautions to be taken by diabetic patients while fasting at the UP Press Club on Sunday. Dr Tewari recommended the need to take nutritious food and to regularly check blood sugar levels during the time of Ramzan.
“As the Glycemic index (Sugar level) in dates is high, it could increase the sugar level of diabetic person and this could affect his health,” he added.
He said that there were several measure and precautions to be taken by diabetic patients who were fasting in the month of Ramadan and if not followed it could even harm their health. “They should re-chart their diet and medications for the month as they will not be having any food or fluid throughout the day.”
While speaking over food intake during fasting, he advised the diabetic patients to eat their food properly as per their diet plan. It is usually seen during Iftaar that people prefer to have chips and other fried items but diabetic people should avoid it as much as they can as it could harm them. They should try to intake those food items which contain high fibre. “During Iftaar, they should try to intake highly nutritious as well as light food which includes boiled Chana, Salad, mattha, Double Toned Milk, etc. which would keep them healthy throughout the day while they are fasting. They should also increase the intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits for keeping themselves healthy and active,” he added.
“Diabetic persons should avoid tobacco and coffee during the month of Ramadan before Sehri and after Iftaar,” he added.
He recommended that diabetic patients should not forget to check blood sugar before Sehri, late afternoon and after iftaar, in case of any discomfort, and contact the physician. “They should maintain hydrants throughout the month by intake of several fluids which includes water, Mattha, milk, etc.” he added.
Dr. Tewari informed that diabetic patients who can fast include those whose age is more than 20 years, patients with stable diabetes and without any complications. But patients with Type-1 diabetes should not fast during the month. “If the diabetic patients will not follow the guidelines then they could face several problems during fasting which includes incidence of unconsciousness towards the end of fast due to hypoglycaemia or dehydration, cramps, headache, bloating and constipation,” he added.