Fasting is defined as the worship of refraining or abstaining from eating, drinking, and everything that can cancel it, starting from sunrise to sunset. One of the fasts that must be carried out by Muslims is fasting during Ramadhan.
Fasting is a challenge for diabetics because it can experience several risks of complications for sufferers. Complicated conditions that occur, such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and dehydration.
Although there are some risks, fasting still brings benefits for people with diabetes. Before deciding whether to fast or not, let's first understand the following fasting tips for people with diabetes!
- Consultation with a doctor
Before deciding to start fasting during Ramadan, people with diabetes should consult their doctor first. Doctors can give advice for fasting properly.
- Fill fluid intake
When we are fasting, the body automatically does not get enough fluid intake, so it will worsen the condition. Therefore, it is necessary to have sufficient fluid intake during iftar and suhoor in order to prevent the body from becoming dehydrated during fasting. However, avoid consuming drinks that are too sweet or caffeinated, because both types of drinks are at risk of causing dehydration.
- Pay attention to the food you eat
It is better to consume foods that are high in fiber when you are suhoor because it can provide a longer feeling of fullness. Avoid eating fried foods because it causes fat accumulation in the body, and will indirectly increase blood sugar levels. In addition, diabetics are also advised not to eat foods that are too sweet to keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Exercise
Fasting should not be an excuse for us to be lazy to exercise. Exercise should not be excessive. Tarawih prayers (prayer with a sufficient number of rakaat) every night in the month of Ramadan, can be considered part of the recommended exercise.
You can try the tips above, but still with the advice and supervision of a doctor, Ladies! Don't forget to check out the latest health articles on Fitie!
Source:
Putri, A. (2021). Panduan Berpuasa bagi Penderita Diabetes. Fakultas Keperawatan Universitas Airlangga. [online]. http://ners.unair.ac.id/site/index.php/news-fkp-unair/30-lihat/1359-panduan-berpuasa-bagi-penderita-diabetes