If a woman thinks that fasting can affect the growth of her child during pregnancy, she should not fast, said Dr Lubna Ali PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The seminar ‘Fasting and Health’ was organised by the School of Public Health in collaboration with the Research Department and National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) at the university’s Ojha Campus on Wednesday.
The DUHS is the first medical institute to launch its ‘Ramazan Study Group’, which conducts research and organises seminars to create awareness among the masses about the demands and rigours of fasting.
Ramazan and diabetes
Professor of medicine at the Baqai Institute of Diabetology, Dr Muhammad Yaqoob Ahmedani, clarified that checking blood glucose or injecting insulin does not break the fast, nor does it render it void, as confirmed by Islamic scholars.
“Sugar level should remain between 100mg/dL and 200 mg/dL during fasting,” he said. “If a patient’s heartbeat increases and they start to sweat, and sugar level falls below 70mg/dL, then it is essential that they break their fast immediately. Similarly, if a patient needs to urinate frequently and their mouth dries up quickly, then breaking the fast is recommended since blood sugar level may be higher than the critical point of 300mg/dL.”
Ahmedani also suggested that diabetic patients should not fast without sehri and must take their medicine regularly. They should eat nutritious food, drink a lot of fluids and exercise regularly, he recommended. He further advised against sweet drinks or excessively sugary foods, recommending plain fruit and lemon juice instead.
Fasting during pregnancy
If a woman thinks that fasting can affect the growth of her child during pregnancy, she should not fast, said Dr Lubna Ali, who works at the DUHS department of obstetrics and gynaecology.
“Some women suffer from excessive vomiting and dehydration during the first trimester, so we advise them not to fast. If they feel better in the second and third trimesters, then they can fast,” she said.
This year, the duration of fasting will be between 15 and 18 hours and it is suggested that pregnant women should not fast as they could suffer from dehydration due to its longevity, she added.
However, a study conducted by the institute showed that there is no significant difference in the growth of the child in pregnant women that fast and those who do not.
The women who want to fast must take iron and calcium supplements at either iftar or sehri, said Dr Ali, adding that they should drink 10 to 12 glasses of water and avoid sugary drinks and fried food.
Fasting and hypertension
“People with hypertension should ensure that they do not skip their medicine if they fast,” said Dr Muhammad Masroor, giving a presentation on ‘Fasting and Hypertension’. “Medication can be reduced and changed but should not be stopped entirely. Therefore, hypertension patients should visit their doctor before Ramazan.”
He then advised patients to check their blood pressure daily, exercise and ensure that their diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, with a reduced intake of salt.
Patients with liver diseases
Gastroenterology lecturer at the Aga Khan University hospital, Dr Majid Shahid, highlighted the importance of being hygiene-conscious since contaminated food and drink can cause liver diseases. “Those who suffer from hepatitis B or C or have a liver infection can fast, but those who are on medication should not,” he suggested.
He then talked about ascites, a phenomenon in which fluid seeps out of the liver and accumulates in the belly; a result of cirrhosis or liver disease. In the disease, normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, which obstructs the flow of blood through the liver, causing congestion that in turn leads to blood seeping out of the liver. Free basic medical testing, including blood sugar and cholesterol, was also provided to the participants.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2014.
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