Okaz/Saudi Gazette DAMMAM/RIYADH – Diabetics should consult their doctors about fasting in Ramadan because of the danger of falling into a coma, according to specialists. Dr. Saleh Al-Jaser, Diabetes and Endocrinology consultant at King Abdul Aziz Medical City at the National Guard, warned diabetic patients about the effect of long hours of fasting and high temperatures, advising them to break their fast immediately if the sugar levels fall. He also advised them to break fast in time and have Suhoor as late as possible, to reduce hours of fasting as much as possible. They are advised to avoid food with high levels of sugar or starch especially when breaking fast, to avoid a sudden increase in blood sugar level. Iftar should be dates and water at first. The rest of the food should be consumed after taking medication. A snack at midnight is required. It is good to eat more vegetables at Suhoor, he said. Al-Jaser said patients depending on insulin shots should change the timing and dosage because eating habits change in Ramadan. The dose should be changed and the patient has to run several analyses per day to organize sugar levels and determine the dosage. Type A diabetics who depend on insulin are advised not to fast if there is a decrease in the level of blood sugar. Those using four doses a day are advised to test for sugar levels at midday. Abdulaziz Al-Turki, Chairman of the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association, called on the millions of diabetics to talk to their doctors in Ramadan and have them modify their treatment plan, dosage and timing, sport activities, eating plans and set a program to monitor sugar levels. __
