Diabetics must take extra care while fasting

The Dubai Diabetes Centre yesterday advised diabetics on the need to take extra precautions when fasting during Ramadan because of their blood sugar fluctuation. Dr M. Hamed Farooqi, Director of the Centre, also pointed out that diabetics dehydrate faster, especially when their blood sugar levels rise. "The most important step for any diabetic who chooses to fast is to ensure he visits his health practitioner so that the doctor can advise whether it is safe for him to fast," he said. He said doctors can also gauge whether a patient's body will be able to manage long hours of fasting. Dr Ahmad Al Jebawi, consultant endocrinologist at the centre, said: "A drop or rise in the sugar level for diabetics with Type 1 and 2 diabetes can cause serious complications." A drop in blood sugar level can cause several other symptoms such as weakness, shaking of the hands, difficulty speaking and heart palpitations. Article continues below "The problem we face is that many diabetics do not realise the complications they can suffer from while fasting if they neglect taking certain precautions," said Inaam Ebrahim Kandil, head of diabetes education coordination at the Centre. Abdullah Mohammad Juma, director of administrative affairs at the centre, said: "A majority of our patients prefer to fast during Ramadan despite having diabetes. We provide them with all the information and medical advice necessary."