Fasting during Ramadan for pregnant diabetic patients: What to watch out for
There are important points that diabetic patients should pay attention to while fasting during the month of Ramadan. Fasting can be risky, especially for pregnant diabetics, individuals with kidney disease, and patients using insulin. Being informed about the various types of diabetes and their effects on health is of great importance for having a healthy Ramadan.
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Diabetes, known as sugar disease, occurs when the insulin hormone, which regulates blood sugar, is either not produced enough or cannot be used effectively in the body. Emphasizing that diabetic patients should definitely consult their doctors before fasting during Ramadan, Prof. Dr. Fulya Akın, an Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist at Anadolu Health Center Hospital, warned, 'For people receiving insulin supplements, fasting can pose a risk by leading to serious fluctuations in blood sugar levels.'
The Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist stated that fasting can be even riskier for diabetic patients when conditions such as pregnancy or kidney ailments are involved. Emphasizing that blood sugar fluctuations can threaten the health of both mother and baby, and that staying dehydrated for long periods can negatively affect kidney functions, the expert warned, 'We do not recommend that diabetic patients with conditions such as pregnancy or kidney failure fast. Furthermore, the risk of low blood sugar may be higher in individuals with kidney disease.'
LONG-TERM FASTING IS DANGEROUS FOR DIABETICS
It was stated that Type 1 and uncontrolled Type 2 diabetic patients should also not fast. Since insulin use is mandatory for Type 1 diabetic patients, staying hungry for long periods can cause blood sugar to drop (hypoglycemia) or rise (hyperglycemia) significantly. Additionally, a dangerous condition such as ketoacidosis, which is one of the serious and fatal complications of diabetes, may also develop. For uncontrolled Type 2 diabetic patients, it would be safer not to fast if frequent blood sugar fluctuations or very high HbA1c values are observed during the day.
MILK-BASED ALTERNATIVES CAN BE PREFERRED OVER SYRUPY DESSERTS
According to 2024 data, it is stated that there are more than 12 million diabetic patients in Turkey. Furthermore, it is stated that prediabetes, which is considered the early stage of diabetes, is common in society. Symptoms such as fatigue after meals, drowsiness, and an excessive fondness for sweets are often observed in people with this condition. Another condition that paves the way for diabetes is insulin resistance. It is emphasized that people with insulin resistance should avoid desserts containing high amounts of sugar, such as those with syrup. Instead, lighter dessert alternatives such as rice pudding (sütlaç), güllaç, ice cream, and custard (muhallebi) can be preferred.
CONSUMING PLENTY OF WATER BALANCES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Stating that people who fast should pay extra attention to their diet, Prof. Dr. Akın said, “Throughout the month of Ramadan, one should be careful to consume foods that are slowly digested, keep one full for a long time, and are high in protein and fiber. The iftar table should be balanced; a light start should be made to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes, and the main course should be consumed slowly. Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pizza, pasta, and pastries should be avoided. Most importantly, a sufficient amount of water should be consumed between iftar and suhoor; in this way, the body does not remain dehydrated and blood sugar fluctuations can be prevented.”