26/04/19
Doctors in Bradford and Craven encourage diabetics to fast safely during Ramadan
As Muslims across the district prepare for Ramadan, GPs at Bradford District and Craven CCGs are encouraging those with diabetes to ensure they fast safely.
Ramadan begins over the bank holiday weekend and will see Muslims fast between sunrise to sunset. As the days are getting longer people will not eat or drink for up to 17 hours, which could pose a risk to the health of those who have diabetes and other long-term health conditions.
Most people with diabetes can fast without any issue as long as they ensure they follow a few key pieces of advice. GPs in Bradford are encouraging those with diabetes who wish to fast to:
- ensure they’re aware of the differences this will mean if they are taking insulin; those wishing to fast will need less insulin on a morning before the start of their fast
- eat more slowly absorbed food such as basmati rice, dhal and fruit and vegetables in their meal before they begin their fast (Suhoor or Sehri)
- try to eat just before sunrise, when they commence the next day’s fast
- make sure to only have small quantities of food when breaking their fast and avoid eating sweet or fatty foods
- check their blood glucose levels more often than they would when not fasting
- ensure they drink plenty of sugar-free and decaffeinated fluids at the end of their fast to avoid becoming dehydrated
