Talk to your doctor before Ramzan. Fasting is not safe for everyone with diabetes. Your doctor may need to change the timing or dose of your medicines or insulin. Ideally, have this conversation a few weeks before Ramzan starts.
Sehri: slow and steady energy
Eat sehri as late as possible, close to the end of sehri time, rather than at midnight. Choose foods that release energy slowly:
- Whole wheat chapati or daliya instead of paratha or sweet sheermal.
- Protein such as eggs, yoghurt, daal, or chicken, to stay full for longer.
- Vegetables and a small portion of fruit.
- Plenty of water. Limit very salty food, which makes you thirsty during the day.
Example sehri: an omelette with vegetables, one whole wheat chapati, a bowl of yoghurt and water.
Iftar: open gently
Iftar is where blood sugar often rises sharply. Try this sequence:
- Open the fast with water and one or two dates, following the Sunnah.
- Pray, then have a light starter such as fruit chaat without added sugar, or a small bowl of soup.
- Have a balanced meal later: sabzi, salad, protein and a measured portion of roti or rice.
What to limit at iftar
| Limit | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Sugary sherbet drinks | Water, lemon water without sugar, or plain lassi |
| Plates of pakoras and samosas | Baked or air-fried versions, or chana chaat |
| Jalebi and mithai every day | A small portion occasionally, after a balanced meal |
| Fruit chaat with sugar or syrup | Fresh fruit chaat with chaat masala and lemon |
Check your sugar, and know when to stop
Checking your blood glucose does not break the fast. International guidance on diabetes and Ramadan advises breaking the fast immediately if:
- blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), or
- blood sugar rises above 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L), or
- you feel symptoms of low sugar (shaking, sweating, confusion, dizziness) or feel unwell.
Your doctor may give you different targets. Follow their advice.
After iftar
- Spread your water intake between iftar and sehri.
- Light activity such as walking to taraweeh is helpful. Avoid hard exercise close to iftar time, when sugar may be lowest.
- Avoid heavy late-night snacking on sweets and fried food.
Get a Ramzan plan made for you
Every person with diabetes is different. A personalised Ramzan meal plan, made with your reports and medicines in mind, can make fasting safer and easier. Learn about our diabetes nutrition service.
This article is general information and not a substitute for advice from your doctor.