Fasting in Ramadan with diabetes

Prepare 6–8 weeks before

Talk to your care team before Ramadan. They can assess your risk, adjust your medicines and their timing, and tell you whether fasting is safe for you. Some people are advised not to fast, for example those with frequent low blood sugar, kidney disease or during pregnancy.

Check your blood sugar

Checking your blood sugar with a finger-prick test does not break the fast. Check more often, especially in the afternoon and before iftar.

When to break the fast

• Blood sugar below 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL)
• Blood sugar above 16.7 mmol/L (300 mg/dL)
• Signs of low blood sugar, dehydration or feeling unwell

Suhoor and iftar

• Eat suhoor as late as possible, with slow carbohydrates such as wholegrain bread, oats or laban.
• Break the fast with water and 1–3 dates, then a balanced plate.
• Limit fried foods and sweets such as luqaimat.
• Drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor.