Ramadan is the month which signifies self-reform and abstention from one’s basic desires which in particular helps to understand ourselves in terms of patience, tolerance and our threshold levels from the worldly desires.
The commonest and the chronic illnesses which afflict our societies are Diabetes mellitus and Cardiovascular diseases.
There has been lots of speculation whether or not diabetics and cardiovascular patients take the plunge of fasting during Ramadan and the concern is worldwide regarding it.
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Our blessed prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fast to be healthy.”
All three fathers of Western Medicine; Hippocrates, Galen and Paracelsus, concluded nearly 500 years ago that: “Fasting is the greatest remedy–the physician within!”
Health predicament of a person is very vital before deciding to fast; patients are advised to have a pre-Ramadan medical assessment to help them avoid any unneeded health difficulties during the Holy month.
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Can Patients Fast?
During Ramadan, timings and dosages of diabetics’ drugs are changed due to the long hours of fasting and it is advisable that of the total dose in a day, 1/3rd of the dose is to be taken during the pre-dawn meals followed by 2/3rd of the dose after the sunset meals to avoid the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Insulin regimen: two doses before meals (sunset and dawn) of short-acting insulin and one dose in the late evening of intermediate-acting insulin.
Patients of cardiovascular diseases are basically on antihypertensives, medicines for lipids, and antianginals.
Patients with mild to moderate hypertension can safely undertake fasting with their daily dose taken during the predawn meals, whereas patients with severe hypertension are at risk of developing associated cardiovascular diseases.
Diuretics should be avoided as it can lead to hypotension. Patients can safely continue their medicines for lipids and blood thinners if they use any after their sunset meal.
Heart patients should have balanced and commensurate diet as one needs to go on the wagon!
They should try to curb their desires for food rich in oil, fats, salty, sugary food product and keep an eye over their food intake limiting themselves between six and ten grams of carbohydrates and 1.2g of proteins per kg body weight respectively.
It is advisable to keep themselves hydrated with decaffeinated and sugar-free liquids especially during their long hours of prayers after their sunset meals.
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