• Thursday, April 25, 2024

Lifestyle

Ramadan health risk for people with diabetes

Ramadan health risk

FASTING during Ramadan could be dangerous for people with health conditions such as diabetes, Diabetes UK has warned.

Those who fast during the holy month, due to start next Tuesday (7), will go over 17 hours a day without eating.

Eating big meals at Suhoor and Iftar, the meals before and after fasting, could see their blood glucose levels rise to dangerously high levels.

Krishna Sarda, engaging communities manager at Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes UK recognises and respects that this is a very important time for people and we are urging people with diabetes to take care of their health.

“Those who do choose to fast need to take particular care, as fasting for this length of time will increase the risk of their blood glucose levels rising or falling.”

Diabetes UK has worked in partnership with the Muslim Council of Britain to develop information on Ramadan and diabetes

“Some people also think that testing blood glucose levels will break your fast. It does not, and in fact it is important to test more frequently if you do fast,” Sarda said.

For more information on diabetes and fasting, call Diabe tes UK’s helpline on 0345 123 2399 or visit www. diabetes.org.uk/Ramadan.

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