The Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA) has advised citizens and all people with diabetes to plan for healthier and safer fasting during the holy month of Ramadan starting this week. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ali Al-Turki, chairman of SDEA, extending his congratulation to all diabetic people in the Kingdom, said they should take this golden opportunity to adopt healthy lifestyle during the month. “Diabetic people must plan for safe fasting and consult their doctors and diabetic care teams prior to commencing the month. All smokers must also consider this month as an excellent opportunity to quit smoking,” Al-Turki said. Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Mulhim, Chairperson of Scientific Committee of the SDEA, also advised all diabetic people to adjust their treatment plans, including medications, meals, exercise and monitoring of blood sugar level. “Diabetic people must work out a program of treatment with their family doctors,” he said. According to Dr. Basem Futa, Chairperson of Diabetes Education Committee of the SDEA, patients must also comply with the dietary guidelines and not to excessively consume carbohydrates, dates, fats, and take more fluids and fiber rich foods to avoid constipation and to reduce salt content in their meals. Futa said patients must work collaboratively with their diabetic care teams to optimize their blood sugar levels, monitor it several times daily, and to watch out for the symptoms of low blood sugar event. “During the whole month while fasting, patients must always carry with them their diabetic ID cards and a source of carbohydrates, such as juice or dates to be used in case of low blood sugar. Patients should be ready to take action in case of severe low blood sugar event and break their fasting,” Futa said. Futa emphasized on the importance of modifying the recipes of the traditional dishes, such as Kabsa and Sambosa, avoid fried and fatty meals, and to divide the meals into three – Iftar, midnight and Suhoor. He recommended not to waste food and to watch out for food poisoning. “The meals should be well-balanced, moderate in salt and carbohydrate, and low in fat content; overeating at Iftar time should be avoided,” he added. Obese people are urged to lose weight during Ramadan by exercising, including a 30-45 minute walk in the evening. For more helpful information on fasting this Ramadan, diabetic people may visit the association website www.sdea.org.sa.
