RIYADH: Proper medication and good health habits could reduce 60 percent of diabetic complications, said Dr. Iman Abdul Rahman speaking on the “Hello Ramadan Health” telephone service.
“Hello Ramadan Health” is a telephone service introduced by the Ministry of Health to provide people with health information at their homes and offices.
Fielding a wide range of questions on diabetes, Iman said diabetic patients should know the glucose level of their body and, according to their doctors’ advice, take appropriate medication.
In addition, she said, the frequent monitoring of blood sugar is essential among diabetic pat-ients.They need to check their blood glucose level multiple times a day, especially during iftar, two hours after iftar, before sahur, two to three hours after it, mid to late afternoon and at other times, especially if hypo symptoms are experienced.
“Those under insulin treatment should continue to take a 24-hour valid dosage as they would have done before Ram-adan,” she said, warning that such patients do not need to compromise insulin for native medicines during the month. Answering a question, she said fasting would not affect pregnant women. “They can easily supplement their diet during the non-fasting period.”
If a diabetic individual is on oral medication, the morning dose should be taken after iftar and the evening dose should be taken in a smaller dosage after sahur. “All patients should understand that they are to break fast at any time if hypoglycemia occurs.”
Hypoglycemia is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drops below a certain point.
