The Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association in the Eastern Province advised members of the community and especially diabetes patients to take advantage of the holy month to adopt a healthy life-style.

Dr. Kaml Salamah, secretary general of the association, said, “Patients suffering from diabetes need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels during the holy month to ensure it is within the accepted levels.”

Salamah urged diabetes patients who feel symptoms of hypoglycemia or suffer from blood sugar drop below 70 mg/dl to break their fast immediately.

He also recommended patients to drink large quantities of water from the time they break their fast until dawn to protect their kidneys and avoid dehydration.

The specialist urged diabetics to avoid certain types of food, such as juices, dates, pastries, carbohydrates and sweets, or consume them in moderate quantities.

Diabetics should reduce their intake of coffee, tea and fizzy drinks, which contain caffeine, to avoid losing fluids and suffering from dehydration, he said, adding that suhoor should contain dishes rich with fibers.

Family members and friends of diabetics have a role to play in helping patients follow a healthy diet and adhere to an exercise regimen by encouraging and supporting their new lifestyle practices, he said.
He urged housewives to use healthy ingredients during iftar preparation and avoid frying and adding too much salt to dishes.

Salamah advised patients with diabetes who rely on insulin treatment to refrain from fasting, as low blood sugar rates could jeopardize their lives. Patients on medication can fast if their blood sugar rates are stable and they are not experiencing kidney or liver problems, he added.

 
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