WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
For the upcoming fasting month, we are pleased to share some important advice from the good people at Alpro Pharmacy.
WILL THE USE OF INHALERS INVALIDATE YOUR FASTING?
- There are 2 types of inhalers: ‘preventer’ inhalers and ‘reliever’ inhalers. If you are unsure which of your inhalers is which, check with your doctor.
- While fasting, you should continue to use your preventer inhalers, typically twice a day—before sahur and before you go to bed. It’s best to check with your doctor how often and when you should use your preventer inhaler.
- Use your reliever inhalers when you have an asthma attack.
WILL FASTING PUT YOU AT RISK OF DEHYDRATION OR LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE (HYPOGLYCAEMIA)?
- If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose 2 hours after sahur and when you experience symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweat, blurred vision, and shivering. Checking your blood glucose won’t invalidate your fasting.
- If your blood glucose level is below 3.9 mmol/L, you will need to break your fast for the sake of your health.
- People with diabetes shouldn’t delay breaking their fast. Keep some dates with you if you have diabetes and you’re fasting. That way, when you’re still stuck in traffic or at work during iftar, you can break your fast with 1 or 2 dates.
- Eat foods rich in dietary fibre for optimal blood glucose control during the fasting month. Dietary fibre helps keep you feel full longer and stabilize your blood glucose levels.
HOW TO FAST WHEN YOU HAVE GASTRIC PROBLEMS
- If you have gastric problems, break your fast by eating moderate amounts of foods.
- Avoid eating fried foods and gassy drinks in too much amounts or too quickly.
- Also, it’s best to avoid drinks that are high in caffeine, such as coffee.