Within the framework of awareness campaigns of the National Diabetes Awareness Program launched recently by the Ministry of Health (MOH) under the theme “Diabetes.. Be Vigilant to it", the MOH Media Information and Health Awareness Center hosted the Endocrinology and Diabetes Consultant, Dr. Salhah Bably, through the toll free phone no. 8002494444; where she answered many questions with regard to diabetes and gave advice and special health tips for diabetics.
One of the questions Dr. Bably answered was wondering about the ability of those having medications daily such as the medication of diabetes, as well as high blood pressure and cholesterol to donate blood. Dr. Salhah’s answer was, “Generally, those patients cannot donate blood. However, if diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol rates were regular, they can donate blood if allowed by their doctor.”
As for the blood glucose rates during pregnancy or ordinary days, Dr. Salhah stated that the ordinary blood glucose rate for a fasting person is less than 100 mg/dl, while it reaches less than 140 mg/dl 2 hours after eating. As for the pregnancy days, the blood glucose rate for a fasting person is less than 70 mg/dl, while it reaches less than 110 mg/dl 2 hours after eating; pointing out that the cumulative analysis of blood glucose rates during 3 months gives an approximate average blood glucose rate during that period. As for the blood glucose rate 2 hours after eating, it reflects the regularity of the blood glucose rates during the day.
As for the harm of the low-calorie sweeteners to the body and kidneys, especially for diabetics, Dr. Bably answered that there are not any studies in this regard. However, she advises avoiding such sweeteners and having food and water without any sugar or sweeteners.
Furthermore, Dr. Bably explained that the normal cumulative blood glucose rate ranges from 4 mmol/l to 6.5 mmol/l. If the blood glucose rate of a fasting person is more than 110 mg/dl with a diet, then he will need medication.