Ramazan is the most celebrated month for Muslims that promotes the message of patience and community. However, for a diabetic patient, there are always concerns about their health while fasting. There are a number of misconceptions about fasting and diabetes that you need to shake off
But, one thing that cannot be denied is that while fasting, a diabetic patient needs to be particularly careful about their food choices both during Sehri and Iftar.
Fasting for diabetics involves special planning. To avoid the lowering of blood sugar to a dangerous level, the patient should consult a doctor first.
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Once the doctor gives a go ahead, this healthy Ramazan meal plan for diabetic patients can make it easy to balance their blood sugar.
Sehri:
Oats 1 cup (can add 1-2 dates and 3 chopped almonds)
1 boiled egg
1 glass unsweetened yogurt lassi
Or option 2:
1 whole wheat chapatti
Omelet or plain dahi 1 cup
1 fruit / 1 glass milk
Iftar:
Plain water or watermelon smoothie 1 glass
1-2 dates
Chana chaat 1 plate + dahi bara 1 small bowl
OR
1 bran bread sandwich +1 cup fruit chaat
Dinner:
1 medium chapatti Or ¾ cup boiled rice (prefer brown rice)
Any less oil curry or plain daal + fresh salad.
Green tea (optional)
Not just a set meal plan but the following guidelines also need to be followed in order to spend the whole month staying healthy and hearty.
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• If you are on insulin, you should take less insulin on Sehri.
• The doctor might also change the type of insulin you are taking
• In iftar, one should take food with low GI level, like lentils, fruits and vegetables
• There is a misconception that you cannot check your blood sugar level while fasting. The truth is one needs to check the glucose level more often and it won’t affect the fast.
• You should not only eat fatty or sweet foods in iftar. Try to keep a balance.
• If you sleep after sehri, try eating a little early. So, you get some time to digest the food before going to bed.
• Drink a lot of water and sugar-free fluids before the break of dawn.
In the end, it depends on the person whether or not he/she is healthy enough to fast.
However, if you choose to do so, then you should talk to your doctor about your diet and follow the medication properly. This would help you fast the whole month without letting anything affect your health.
*The diet plan is designed by a clinical dietitian Dr. Sana Azfar