Urban Mirror Correspondent
Lucknow, May 03 Eminent diabetes specialist Dr AK Tewari, Director Jai Clinic and Diabetes Care Centre today asked diabetes patients observing Ramadan fast to follow certain fresh guidelines to avoid any complications. Dr Tewari, who is also founder president of HIDA, launching awareness initiative in this connection said proper care during the fasting is vital for the diabetes patients. Ramadan is commencing from May 7.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday Dr Tewari said during Ramadan fasting the patients intending to observe fast are required counselling and assistance so that any complication could be avoided. Pointing out guidelines of International Diabetes Federation and Diabetes & Ramadan Alliance (IDF-DAR), Dr Tewari said those medically fit can observe fasting. He even quoted Surah of Qoran which says “ Allah intends every facility for you, He doesnot want put to difficulty”. Dr Tewari said as per IDF-DAR there are three categories of risk—patients with very high risk category red (history of hypoglycaemia in the last three months), patients with high risk category yellow (type two diabetes with poor control/ type I well controlled) and patients with low risk category red (well controlled type II diabetes).
Dr Tewari said fasting diabetics should regularly check their blood sugar level (BSL) and get the medicine dose adjusted by the doctor. Moreover “pre Ramadan assessment” is must before fasting to avoid risk, Dr Tewari said and added “donot try to adjust medicines on you own and consult doctor”. He said taking “Sahri meal” is necessary. He said all patients should break their fast if –blood sugar is 70 mg/dl or low, blood sugar is 300 mg/dl and above and if there are symptoms of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, dehydration or acute illness.
Dr Tewari quoting Mufti of Arab Republic of Egypt Prof Shawky Ibrahim Alam on fasting for diabetics said “ if any of you is ill or on journey the prescribed number should be made up latter for those who can do it with hardship is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent”—Surah Al Bakrah.
Dr Tewari said it means if a Muslim is suffering from a disease and he cannot fast or if he is old and cannot undertake discomfort then he is not obliged to fast but he should do ransom by feeding an poor for each day. Since diabetes is chronic, Dr Tewari said the ruling of fast for such patients are based on knowing the way of available treatment. He said in case of any complication being felt by such patients during the fasting he could break it. As Qoran says “ And make not your hands contribute to your destruction”.—Surah Al Bakrah.
Dietician Amreen Qureshi, who was also present at the press conference elaborated about the dietary management during Ramadan. She said daily recommended calories must be divided in three meals—Sahari , Iftar, dinner and 1-2 snacks if necessary. She further said diet must be balanced including plenty of low and medium glycemic fruits and vegetables. She said such patients observing fast should keep themselves hydrated between sunset and Ssunrise by taking unsweetened beverages. coconut water, sattu, beal fruit juice without sugar, fresh juices with fibres, butter milk are some very good options for this scorching summers. diabetics who are fasting must refrain from taking caffeinated beverages, tobacco and smoking.
