HEALTHCARE TODAY
  • IN THE SPOTLIGHT
    • MALAYSIA HEALTH & POLICY NEWS
    • GLOBAL HEALTH NEWS
  • HEALTH CONDITIONS
    • ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
    • ARTHRITIS
    • ASTHMA
    • BACK PAIN
    • BRAIN DISORDERS
    • BREAST CANCER
    • CANCER
    • CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
    • CERVICAL CANCER
    • CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
    • DEMENTIA
    • DENGUE
    • DENTAL PROBLEMS
    • DIABETES
    • DRUG ABUSE
    • ECZEMA
    • EPILEPSY
    • EYE
    • FIBROIDS
    • GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES
    • INFLUENZA (FLU)
    • HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
    • HEPATITIS
    • HIV & AIDS
    • JOINT PAIN
    • KIDNEY DISEASE
    • LUNG CANCER
    • LUPUS
    • MELASMA
    • MENTAL HEALTH
    • MOUTH-AND-TEETH
    • OBESITY
    • OSTEOPOROSIS
    • OVARIAN DYSFUNCTION: UNDERSTANDING PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE, POLYCYSTIC OVARY DISEASE AND INFERTILITY
    • SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
    • SKIN CONDITIONS
    • SLEEP
    • STROKE
  • DISABILITIES & SPECIAL ABILITIES
    • ADHD and ADD
    • AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
    • BLINDNESS & VISION IMPAIRMENT
    • CEREBRAL PALSY
    • DOWN SYNDROME
    • RARE DISEASES
  • NURSING RESOURCES
  • DIGITAL HEALTH
  • HEALTH PRODUCTS & SERVICES
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • FAMILY HEALTH & PARENTING
  • EMPOWERING WOMEN
  • MEN'S WELLNESS
  • GOLDEN YEARS
  • ACTIVE LIFE HUB
  • NUTRITION
  • COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE
  • HUMANITARIAN & COMMUNITY HEALTH
  • AMBULANCE AND FIRST AID GUIDE
  • Community clinics/ Klinik Komuniti
  • Government Dental Clinics / Klinik Pergigian Kerajaan
  • ABOUT US

Managing diabetes and fasting during Ramadan for optimal health benefits

February 25, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
Healthcaretoday, Rozanna M. Rosly, Ramadan, Fasting, Diabetic, Nutrition, Wellness, Sahur, Iftar,  Digestive health, Protein, Whole grains, Health tips, Ramadan2025,
While dates are nutritious, they are also high in sugar and can cause significant spikes in blood sugar levels if consumed in excess.
Healthcaretoday, Rozanna M. Rosly, Ramadan, Fasting, Diabetic, Nutrition, Wellness, Sahur, Iftar,  Digestive health, Protein, Whole grains, Health tips, Ramadan2025,
By Rozanna M. Rosly
Lead dietitian
Sunway Medical Centre

As Ramadan approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare for a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. Fasting from dawn until sunset can significantly impact the body, and understanding these effects is crucial for maintaining health and vitality during this sacred time.

How fasting affects the body
Energy sources: During fasting hours, the body relies on stored carbohydrates and fats for energy after the calories consumed at night have been utilized.

Water conservation: The kidneys work to conserve water, but some loss occurs through urination, perspiration, and respiration, leading to mild dehydration that can cause headaches and fatigue.

Caffeine withdrawal: For those accustomed to caffeine, the absence during fasting may initially result in headaches and tiredness, though the body typically adjusts over time.

Hydration post-fast: It’s essential to rehydrate and replenish energy with nutritious foods and fluids after breaking the fast. Avoiding overly salty foods can help manage thirst levels throughout the day.

Fasting and diabetes management
Fasting has been proven to offer numerous health benefits, including promoting blood glucose control. However, these advantages can be lost if one overindulges while breaking the fast, which can be particularly dangerous for those with diabetes.
  • Breaking the fast: According to a 2014 study published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism, diabetics should ideally break their fast with one glass of unsweetened tea or plain water, accompanied by one large date or three small ones. While dates are nutritious, they are also high in sugar and can cause significant spikes in blood sugar levels if consumed in excess.
  • Prayer first: It is strongly recommended for diabetics to perform the Maghrib prayer before having a proper iftar. After the prayer, they should continue with a normal meal in smaller portions, accompanied by some liquid, and then take another break for the Isyak and Terawih prayers.
  • Final meal: After the prayers, a smaller meal can be consumed to wrap up the evening. This method not only helps diabetics manage their glucose levels but can also be beneficial for healthy individuals looking to break their fast in a more balanced way.

Tips for a healthy Ramadan
  • Mindful eating: Avoid rushing meals. Break your fast with dates and water, then enjoy a balanced meal after prayers.
  • Sahur importance: Never skip sahur, as it provides essential nutrients and energy for the day ahead. Opt for high-fiber, starchy foods to sustain you longer.
  • Portion control: Be cautious of overeating during iftar. Focus on a balanced plate that includes proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
  • Digestive health: Prevent stomach issues by eating slowly and avoiding heavy, greasy, or spicy foods. Incorporate light exercise after meals to aid digestion.
  • Smart snacking: Choose healthy snacks like fruits or yogurt instead of high-sugar or processed options to maintain energy levels and prevent cravings.

Recommended foods for sahur and iftar
Sahur: Whole grains, oats, high-fiber cereals, yogurt, and starchy foods like brown rice or whole grain bread are excellent choices to keep you feeling full.
Iftar: Start with gentle foods such as soups or stews, followed by a balanced meal rich in proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, but it also presents an opportunity to cultivate healthy eating habits. By prioritizing nutrition and hydration, you can navigate fasting with ease and maintain your well-being throughout this blessed month.

EXPLORE FURTHER


Picture

Flavoured water recipes on Tik Tok - Are they healthy?

While these are visually appealing, it is important to consider their health implications
Healthcaretoday, eggs, storing eggs,

Storing eggs: Fridge or counter?

​Explore the egg storage dilemma, weighing the benefits of refrigeration
Papaya, aestrogen

​Papaya and estrogen: Exploring the benefits of papaya seeds for both men and women

​Can papaya seeds balance hormones naturally?
Picture

Puffed rice: A low-cost and low-calorie snack to help people over 40 reduce weight

​Discover how to use puffed rice as a healthy and satisfying snack.
Picture

​Cranberries, high doses of vitamin C causes kidney stones, says clinical journal

​15 herbs and supplements that cause kidney problems
Picture

Food handlers called to be safe, hygienic and typhoid-vaccinated

​AOEMM: Typhoid vaccination essential for home-based food businesses
Picture

​Four steps to avoid weight gain during ramadhan​

​Exercise after iftar for better digestion and calorie management
Picture

Achieving a balanced diet for daily nutrition

​Caloric balance: The relationship between calories in and calories out
Picture

Eating breakfast increases brain chemical, reduces food cravings and overeating later in the day

​The importance of protein and healthy carbohydrates at breakfast
Picture

​Maida based instant noodles could be hurting your health

​How do instant noodles, pasta, and other noodles differ in ingredients and processing?
MORE ON NUTRITION
Picture
Get our wellness newsletter
​Filter out the noise and nurture your inbox with health and wellness advice that’s inclusive and rooted in medical expertise.
Subscribe to Newsletter
About Us
©2018 - 2026 ©Healthcare Today Media Network Sdn Bhd.
All rights reserved. The material in this site is intended to be of general information use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis or recommended treatments.          
  • IN THE SPOTLIGHT
    • MALAYSIA HEALTH & POLICY NEWS
    • GLOBAL HEALTH NEWS
  • HEALTH CONDITIONS
    • ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
    • ARTHRITIS
    • ASTHMA
    • BACK PAIN
    • BRAIN DISORDERS
    • BREAST CANCER
    • CANCER
    • CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
    • CERVICAL CANCER
    • CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
    • DEMENTIA
    • DENGUE
    • DENTAL PROBLEMS
    • DIABETES
    • DRUG ABUSE
    • ECZEMA
    • EPILEPSY
    • EYE
    • FIBROIDS
    • GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES
    • INFLUENZA (FLU)
    • HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
    • HEPATITIS
    • HIV & AIDS
    • JOINT PAIN
    • KIDNEY DISEASE
    • LUNG CANCER
    • LUPUS
    • MELASMA
    • MENTAL HEALTH
    • MOUTH-AND-TEETH
    • OBESITY
    • OSTEOPOROSIS
    • OVARIAN DYSFUNCTION: UNDERSTANDING PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE, POLYCYSTIC OVARY DISEASE AND INFERTILITY
    • SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
    • SKIN CONDITIONS
    • SLEEP
    • STROKE
  • DISABILITIES & SPECIAL ABILITIES
    • ADHD and ADD
    • AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
    • BLINDNESS & VISION IMPAIRMENT
    • CEREBRAL PALSY
    • DOWN SYNDROME
    • RARE DISEASES
  • NURSING RESOURCES
  • DIGITAL HEALTH
  • HEALTH PRODUCTS & SERVICES
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • FAMILY HEALTH & PARENTING
  • EMPOWERING WOMEN
  • MEN'S WELLNESS
  • GOLDEN YEARS
  • ACTIVE LIFE HUB
  • NUTRITION
  • COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE
  • HUMANITARIAN & COMMUNITY HEALTH
  • AMBULANCE AND FIRST AID GUIDE
  • Community clinics/ Klinik Komuniti
  • Government Dental Clinics / Klinik Pergigian Kerajaan
  • ABOUT US