Private Egepol Hospital Endocrinology Specialist Dr. Narimana Imanova Yaghji said that those who want to fast during Ramadan but have a chronic illness should consult a specialist.
Stating that people's eating-drinking and drug intake patterns change during Ramadan, there is a decrease in physical activity, Dr. Yaghji warned that certain risks may arise in those with chronic illness.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO WAIT FOR SAHURA
exp. Dr. Yaghji said, “Every Muslim wants to fast, but if you have a chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, thyroid diseases), you should consult your doctor about whether you can fast. During Ramadan, patients' eating-drinking and medication intake patterns change, and physical activity decreases. This may pose certain risks in many diseases. Especially in diabetic patients, some health problems may occur, the main ones of which are diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration and thrombosis. When fasting, hypoglycemia may develop due to prolonged fasting. This is more common in patients using certain anti-diabetic drugs and insulin. It is wrong to fast before sahur. Diabetics should definitely get up for sahur. Fasting patients should have their fingertips checked for blood sugar to detect hypoglycemia.
ATTENTION TO LIQUID
Noting that insufficient fluid intake also causes worsening of possible kidney problems and the development of fluid deficiency symptoms, Dr. Narimana Imanova Yaghji continued her words as follows: “Kidney pain may occur in those with fluid deficiency kidney stones. Attention should be paid to balanced and adequate fluid intake from iftar to sahur. Excess food consumption after iftar causes hyperglycemia (blood sugar rise), increases in blood pressure and causes heart problems. It is very important not to eat fast in iftar and sahur, to consume salad and vegetables and to eat in a controlled manner. Taking a break after the first portion and continuing to eat again can be a supplementary solution for balanced food intake. People with obesity problems sometimes see fasting as an opportunity for abstinence. It is difficult to lose weight by fasting. Long-term hunger creates a tendency to overeat, and at the same time, the foods consumed in iftar are both high in calories and increased due to the large variety. However, fasting people tend to be sedentary. In order not to tire themselves, they do less activities such as walking and running. This causes weight gain. Because of these problems, Diabetics should have their blood sugar measured and health checks done before the month of Ramadan.