leicestershirediabetes.org.uk

 

To Fast Or Not To Fast?

Controlling your diabetes is related to foods you eat, the amount of activity you take and the medications and / or insulin you take. People with diabetes who should not fast include those who:
 

• Require Insulin more than twice a day

• Are classified as Type 1

• Have had severe hypoglycaemic or ketoacidosis (dangerous levels of ketones in the blood resulting in a sweet smelling breath) in the past six months

   

• Have poor diabetic control (HbA1c > 9%)

• Have complications of diabetes such as Kidneys, Heart, Eye problems

• Are Pregnant
• Have an acute illness

 

Diabetes Advice During This Ramadan 2011

 

• Are you aware that Ramadan is happening in the summer time and that fasting hours are longer?

If you choose to fast, please discuss it with your Doctor, Nurse or Dietitian. This is especially important if you are taking any medications and / or Insulin for your blood glucose control. You may have to closely monitor your blood glucose levels by testing often and have regular communication with the team. Blood glucose testing will not break your fast, however, be aware that you will have to break it if your blood glucose level go low. (less than 4mmol/l)
 

 

Changes To Your Treatment

Your diabetes nurse or doctor will be able to make recommendations regarding your treatment to keep you safe.

1. Is you diabetes managed by diet only?
 If you belong to this group you can fast without the risk of hypoglycaemia, see dietary advice section for more information.

2. Is you diabetes controlled by diet and oral tablets and Exenatide and/or Liraglutide
?
If you belong to this group you can also fast but you maybe at risk of hypoglycaemia. Those using Metformin alone to control their blood glucose levels can use the information below.

If you are taking any other medications to control your blood glucose levels please speak to your diabetes team. (e.g. Gliclazide)

It Is Very Important That You Speak To Your Diabetes Team First As All Tablets Work Differently.

Please take note of the advice that your diabetes team gives you. If you have been advised NOT to fast, please take this advice on board and do not fast.

3. INSULIN INJECTIONS

Have a look at the following sections to help you determine this. Insulin Therapy

1. People with Type 1 Diabetes are often advised not to fast this depends on your insulin regime
    

2. You can fast if you understand that your insulin regimen will need to be altered
    

3. You will need to monitor your self regularly
    

4. Be prepared to break the fast if you have symptoms of a Hypo (low blood glucose). You can always make it up or give to the poor
    

5. You should never stop your insulin
    

6. Whether you have Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, if you are on a basal bolus insulin regimen (e.g. you take background insulin either once or twice a day and quick acting insulin with meals) you may need to alter your dose of background long acting and alter the timing and amount of quick acting insulin in relation to meals
    

7. If you have Type 2 Diabetes and take tablets and night time insulin. You may continue to take your night time insulin but alter your tablets according to the tablet guidelines mentioned previously
    

8. If you are on a pre-mixed insulin regimen e.g. Novomix 30, Humulin M3, Humalog mix 25,or mix 50, you may need to seek advice to reduce dose and timings or change to a different insulin regimen during Ramadan

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