Checking blood sugar levels during Ramadan:
Checking blood sugar levels is one of the essential elements for self-monitoring of blood sugar levels and controlling episodes of high and low blood sugar, which can occur in Ramadan because of changing the diet and lifestyle. There is a misconception among some that pricking the skin to check blood glucose invalidates the Ramadan fast, but this is wrong. On the contrary, measuring blood sugar levels increases the ability of the diabetic patient to control it and continue fasting safely.
Number of times to check blood sugar levels per day during Ramadan:
The number of times to measure blood sugar levels per day depends on several factors, including: the type of diabetes and the medications currently being taken. In general, blood sugar should be checked several times to control it well in Ramadan:
- Low- and moderate-risk diabetics are advised to check their blood sugar levels once or twice a day.
- High-risk diabetics are advised to check their blood sugar levels 3-4 times a day.
- Blood sugar measurement times during Ramadan:
- Two hours after breakfast; to detect high blood sugar levels after eating.
- When feeling symptoms of low or high blood sugar or feeling unwell.
- At Suhoor (before dawn), in the morning (midday), in the afternoon (before breakfast).
Normal blood sugar targets for diabetics:
Blood sugar targets vary according to individual patient differences, but generally the following targets can be taken for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes.
- Hemoglobin AIC is less than V%.
- Pre-meal diabetes 80 - 130 mg/dL.
- After 1-2 hours of meals, less than 180 mg/dL.
Low blood sugar in Ramadan and how to treat it:
Symptoms of low blood sugar:
- Tension and anxiety.
- Rapid pulse and heart rate.
- Shivering, sweating, and trembling.
- Feeling tired, dizzy, and moody.
- Tingling in the lips.
Treating low blood sugar:
Hypoglycemia should be treated if the blood sugar level is 70 mg/dL or less, and if the diabetic is fully conscious or semi-conscious (following the 15-15-15 rule):
- Drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, which is equivalent to about half a cup of fruit juice, or a liquid containing sugar, such as: half a cup of water dissolved in a tablespoon of sugar, or honey.
- Then measure the blood sugar level within 15 minutes.
- If it is still low, repeat the previous step by drinking 15 grams - half a cup - of a drink containing sugar.
- The dose and test should be repeated until a normal blood sugar reading is reached.
- If the blood sugar reading reaches the normal range, this level should be maintained by offering 15 grams of a light meal, such as: a cup of milk, or a piece of bread.
If a diabetic patient is unconscious:
He should be given immediate first aid by injecting him with a glucagon needle (intramuscularly), and do not try to put any other fluids in the mouth; to avoid choking, then transfer him immediately to the nearest hospital.
The following should be considered when treating low blood sugar:
Avoid foods that contain added fats, such as chocolate; because they do not raise blood sugar levels quickly, and the fats in it slow down the absorption of sugar.
- Always keep a piece of candy other than chocolate; to eat it immediately when feeling symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Many people tend to want to eat as much food as they can to feel better, and this can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
High blood sugar in Ramadan and how to treat it:
Symptoms of high blood sugar:
- Extreme thirst.
- Frequent urination
- Feeling lethargic and extremely tired.
- Blurred vision.
- Fruity breath odor.
- Feeling nauseous, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- Feeling a headache.
Treating high blood sugar:
- Blood sugar can often be lowered by exercising.
- If blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL, urine should be tested for ketones. If ketones are present, exercise should be avoided, as exercising when ketones are present can cause blood sugar to rise.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Stretch and rest.
- If insulin is used, corrective dose should be taken, as directed by your doctor.
- See your doctor if ketones are present in your urine.
The patient should break the fast immediately and break the fast if:
- Experiences a low blood sugar episode (blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL).
- Rechecks blood sugar within an hour, and blood glucose is 70-90 mg/dL.
- Blood sugar is higher than 300 mg/dL.
- Symptoms of high or low blood sugar, dehydration, or acute illness.