(MENAFN- The Peninsula) DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has introduced a phone-based emergency service for individuals with diabetes to seek medical advice related to fasting.
The hotline (55981331) is open from 8pm to 11pm, seven days a week.
HMC has also asked individuals with diabetes to seek advice from their healthcare provider on a treatment plan, medication dosages and diet to be followed during Ramadan.
Decreased food intake during the Holy Month is a well-known risk factor for the development of hypoglycaemia among individuals with diabetes who choose to fast.
Abstention from food and fluids for about 15 hours a day can cause a sharp drop in blood glucose levels in people with diabetes who may not have enough energy to perform their normal daily activities, said Dr Mahmoud Ali Zirie, Senior Consultant and Head, Endocrinology and Diabetes Division, HMC.
Generally, diabetes is divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Patients with Type 1 (mainly diagnosed in childhood) are dependent on insulin and more prone to sudden hypoglycaemia so they are advised not to fast.
Patients with Type 2 (mainly adults) are generally not insulin-dependent.
Hypoglycaemia generally occurs when a diabetic patient significantly alters the dosage of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, misses a meal (for example, the pre-dawn meal during fasting), or performs excessive physical activity, Dr. Zirie said.
Initial symptoms of hypoglycaemia include trembling, increased hunger, perspiration, a quickened heartbeat, lack of concentration, irritability and confusion.
These symptoms must be addressed immediately. If left untreated, they may develop into serious symptoms such as convulsions and loss of consciousness.
When the initial symptoms of hypoglycaemia appear, patients should check their blood glucose level and break fast.
Unconscious patients should not be given any beverages.
Hypoglycaemia is more dangerous than hyperglycaemia as patients with hypoglycaemia are susceptible to losing consciousness, Dr Zirie said.
Diabetics should also get into the habit of carrying sugar pills or packages of sweetened juice, which should be consumed at the presentation of symptoms.
Fasting diabetic patients should also limit their intake of dates to one or two a day, just enough to raise their blood sugar level before Iftar (sunset meal).
They should consume whole bread and long-lasting proteins, such as cheese and eggs at Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). It is advisable to have a snack, preferably fruit, between the two meals and do light exercise, such as walking, afterwards. Individuals with diabetes who fast should also take care to consume sufficient amounts of fluids, such as water, soup and sugar-free juices, to avoid dehydration.
The Peninsula