Thread by @cdesetfree

DIABETES & FASTING

1.While fasting is an important spiritual aspect of many religions it can lead to health problems for people with diabetes.One of the longest periods of fasting is the Islamic month of Ramadan during which guidance for people with Diabetes is key.

2. If you treat your diabetes with certain medications such as insulin, there is danger of the blood sugar levels after fasting becoming too low. This can lead to a hypoglycaemia, or having your blood sugar levels too high which can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis.....

3... (DKA), which would require hospital treatment. The symptoms of DKA include feeling very thirsty and passing a lot of urine.
If one is fasting & doesn't take in fluids to reduce their thirst,this will accelerate dehydration and they will require urgent admission to hospital.

4.The changes that occur in the body during fasting depend on the length of the continuous fast. Usually your body enters into a fasting state eight or so hours after the last meal. Your body will initially use stored sources of glucose and then later in the fast it will break...

5....down body fat to use as the next source of energy. Using your body’s fat stores as an energy source can, in the long run, lead to weight loss. Losing weight, particularly if you are overweight, can also lead to better control of blood glucose, blood pressure and...

6...cholesterol levels. However, fasting should not be used as a way of losing weight in the long term.

7.If you decide to fast, it is important to test your blood glucose levels more often as your blood sugar levels after fasting eight hours may drop too low (known as hypoglycaemia or hypo). This is more likely to happen if you are unwell, treat your diabetes with insulin or...

8.some diabetes medications, or both. If you experience the symptoms of a hypo, such as feeling shaky, sweaty and disorientated,you break the fast,treat with your usual hypo treatment, like glucose tablets,a sugary drink or GlucoGel,a snack such as a sandwich or a bowl of cereal.

9. If you have type 1 diabetes, there is also a danger that your blood glucose levels may run too high (known as hyperglycaemia) and result in a build-up of 'ketones'. This could potentially result in a serious condition known as ketoacidosis.

10.The symptoms of high blood glucose levels might include feeling very thirsty, passing a lot of urine or extreme tiredness. If your blood glucose levels stay high & you experience these symptoms you need to get immediate medical attention.

#KnowDiabetes
#DiabeteAwarenessMonth