Khaberni - The Family Health Care Institute newsletter (from the King Hussein Foundation institutes) presents today, Tuesday, the medical aspects of controlling blood sugar during fasting, focusing on the impact of common Ramadan sweets and how to consume them safely.
The institute’s newsletter clarifies how fasting affects blood glucose levels, Ramadan meals and their impact on blood sugar, in addition to general medical guidance, and states the benefits of fasting for diabetic patients.
Ramadan is a unique spiritual and health opportunity, but it can pose a special challenge for people with diabetes or blood sugar disorders. The sudden change in meal patterns, long fasting hours, and the consumption of Ramadan sweets are all factors that directly affect blood glucose levels.
Firstly: How does fasting affect blood glucose levels?
When abstaining from food and drink for long hours, the body goes through several physiological stages to maintain glucose levels within normal limits:
1 - Consuming stored glucose (glycogen): In the early hours of fasting, the body relies on glycogen stored in the liver and muscles.
2 - Producing glucose from other sources: After the stock is depleted, the liver begins to produce glucose from proteins and fats (gluconeogenesis).
3 - Switching to using fats as an energy source: As fasting continues, the body increasingly relies on fats, which may lead to lower blood sugar in some patients, or higher in others if treatment is not adjusted.
Potential risks for diabetic patients
- Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): A result of long fasting or unadjusted medication doses.
- High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia): Due to overeating at Iftar.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: Especially in type 1 diabetes patients.
- Dehydration and salt disturbances.
Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before fasting to assess the condition and adjust medication or insulin doses.
Secondly: Ramadan meals and their effect on blood sugar
The nutritional pattern changes in Ramadan to typically include only two main meals: Iftar and Suhur, with light snacks in between.
1 - Iftar meal
It is advised to start Iftar in a balanced way:
- Eat 1–2 dates with a cup of water.
- Wait a little and then have soup.
- Avoid consuming large amounts of simple carbohydrates at once.
Overindulgence in white rice, white bread, sweetened juices, and fried foods leads to a sharp increase in blood sugar levels.
2 - Suhur meal
A balanced Suhur reduces the risk of low sugar during the day.
It is preferred to include:
- Complex carbohydrates (brown bread, oats).
- Protein (eggs, labneh, beans).
- Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts).
- Avoid salty foods to reduce thirst.
3 - Ramadan sweets and their impact on blood sugar
Sweets are an essential part of the Ramadan table, but they pose a significant challenge to controlling sugar.
- Qatayef
Qatayef is one of the most famous Ramadan sweets, filled with nuts or cream, then fried and soaked in syrup.
Medical impact:
- Rich in simple carbohydrates.
- High in sugar and fats.
- Rapidly raises blood sugar levels.
Advice:
- Choose grilled Qatayef instead of fried.
- Reduce the amount of syrup.
- Settle for a small piece.
Kunafa
Kunafa is rich in fats and sugars, whether made with cheese or cream.
Medical impact:
- Very high in calories.
- A mix of saturated fats and sugar.
- Causes a sharp increase in glucose levels.
Advice:
- Have a very small piece.
- Share it with someone else.
- Avoid daily consumption.
How can diabetic patients safely consume sweets?
1 - Moderation rule: No harm in having a very small amount after a balanced meal.
2 - Do not consume sweets daily.
3 - Monitor sugar levels two hours after eating sweets.
4 - Choose healthy alternatives:
- Sweeten with fresh fruits.
- Use safe sweeteners instead of sugar.
- Prepare homemade low-sugar desserts.
5 - Engage in light physical activity after Iftar, such as walking for 20–30 minutes.
General medical guidelines for controlling sugar during Ramadan
- Regularly measure sugar levels (and measuring does not break the fast).
- Drink enough water between Iftar and Suhur.
- Avoid artificial juices and carbonated drinks.
- Divide the Iftar meal into small parts.
-Consult a doctor if symptoms occur such as:
1 - Severe dizziness
2 - Sweating and chills
3 - Blurred vision
4 - Severe headache
If sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL or rise above 300 mg/dL, it is necessary to break the fast to maintain health.
Can fasting be beneficial for diabetic patients?
Some studies suggest that structured fasting may help in:
- Improving insulin sensitivity.
- Reducing weight.
- Lowering triglyceride levels.
However, these benefits depend on:
- Choosing healthy food.
- Adhering to treatment.
- Medical follow-up.
