Benefits Of Fasting For Diabetic Persons

Illustration of Fasting (pixabay)

JAKARTA - People with diabetes can fast if conditions allow and on the advice of doctors. Fasting has many benefits for people with diabetes, one of which is stabilizing blood glucose levels.

According to a specialist medicine specialist in endocrinological subspecies metabolic and diabetes, Dr. M. Ikhsan Mokoagow, M.Med.Sci, Sp. P.D., Subsp. E.M. D, FINASIM.

"When fasting, people with diabetes are 'forced' to undergo a more maintained and regular diet, as well as relatively the same calorie intake," said Ikhsan as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, March 31.

Ikhsan, who practices at Pondok Indah Hospital, Puri Indah, said that fasting also helps regulate the increase in glucose and insulin levels in the body.

Furthermore, regarding the benefits of fasting, he said that one of the mandatory worships carried out by Muslims during Ramadan can reduce levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL) in the body.

This is as long as when suhoor and breaking the fast, diabetics choose food wisely, including avoiding sahur and takjil iftar food cooked with deep fried or fried techniques with a lot of oil.

Another benefit of fasting, continued Ikhsan, is lowering blood pressure. When fasting, the body will reduce the production of certain hormones such as the hormone adrenaline which is the cause of increased blood pressure.

Fasting also helps improve the immune system. When fasting, the body will recycle unnecessary immune cells, especially damaged cells, so that the immune system is updated again.

However, if people with diabetes want to fast, Ikhsan suggested that they should examine a number of things, one of which is their risk category. Risk stratification is an important aspect of all recommendations for diabetes and Ramadan.

Based on guidelines from the International Diabetes Federation - Diabetes and Ramadan (IDF-DAR) in 2021, there are three categories of stratification of the risk of fasting Ramadan in diabetics, namely high, moderate and low.

At high risk, there is the possibility of fasting becoming unsafe. Then at moderate risk, there is the possibility of fasting being less secure. While at low risk, there is the possibility of fasting safely.

The assessment system is designed by considering various factors that are considered to affect fasting. For certain individuals, each element of risk must be assessed and the score calculated.

"So, if someone is included in a category that is not recommended and is not recommended to fast, it is better not to force yourself," said Ikhsan.

In addition, he continued, diabetics are advised to break their fast if blood sugar levels are less than 70 mg/dL and more than 300 mg/dL, then there are symptoms of hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels are too low), dehydration, or other acute diseases.

He then reminded that blood sugar monitoring should be carried out more strictly to prevent complications during fasting.