Long-lasting drugs help diabetics fast

Hyderabad: Slow acting, but longer lasting drugs, which are effective for 13 to 14 hours, are being recommended by doctors to patients suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to enable them to fast during the month of Ramzan.

With the holy month of Ramzan starting from June 19, many patients are approaching doctors to inquire about the changes that they must make in the dosages of drugs.

Dr Sunil Kapoor, cardiologist with Care Hospitals, said, “The normal drugs do not work for both cardiovascular and diabetes patients as they feel very hungry by 4 pm. The devout are very particular about the fast during this month, hence there are now drugs which release the medicine slowly into the body and will help people stay without food and water for 13 to 14 hours. It is important for more patients to know about this and if they are fasting they can take these drugs.”

Often, cases of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, dehydration, and thrombosis are seen in patients who fast during Ramzan. This happens because the three-time drug dose is reduced to twice. Dr A.N. Malleswari, chief dietician at Global Hospitals, said, “Apart from drug management, it is very important for patients to make adjustments in their diet. These patients can’t eat too much in one go in the evening during Iftar. Often that is found to be the major reason for their health issues. They must plan their meals and ensure that the portion sizes are small. Also, high fat foods like fried items and also foods rich in gravies must be avoided. Instead, fibre-rich foods should be included.”

Diet control helps to prevent the erratic fluctuations in blood sugars, which are commonly seen in these patients. It is important that they eat more fruits, vegetables and grilled or baked non-vegetarian foods.

This year, the fasting hours are from 4.10 am to 6.58 pm – 14 hours of fasting. While certain sects do not allow pregnant and breast-feeding mothers to fast, there are others who insist on the same.

Among pregnant mothers, the effect of this is seen on the child’s intelligence levels and there are increased incidences of low-birth weight babies.

With the devout looking forward to the month, a few steps of preventive planning will help them sail through the month easily.