DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My family observes Ramadan, the Muslim holy month which involves fasting. However, I recently was diagnosed with diabetes. Another relative with diabetes told me that it would not be possible for me to fast. Do you have advice for how I can safely participate in ritual fasts during this holy time? Is there anything I should shift to accommodate my condition?
ANSWER: When you are living with diabetes, your diet is a vital part of your treatment plan. Patients living with diabetes need to be more mindful about the foods they eat and the details, such as calories, total carbohydrates, fiber, fat, salt and sugar. All of these could have the potential to affect their blood sugar levels.
While some people choose to not eat for a period of time, or fast, for religious reasons, such as from dawn to sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, fasting is something that you should not do without advance planning. I would recommend that you talk with your health care team about the specifics of your health and the details surrounding the holiday and your desired fast.
