Categories of Diabetic Patients Advised Not to Fast
In the previous section, we discussed diabetic patients who must not fast. Now, we will talk about the categories of patients who are advised not to fast, even though the danger of fasting is less for them than the previous category.
Medical Criteria for Advising Against Fasting
Fasting is not advised for those who have any of the following characteristics:
- High Blood Sugar Levels: Those with a fasting blood sugar level between 150 to 300 mg/dL, or an HbA1c level between 8% to 10%.
- Visible Complications: Those with visible diabetic complications with symptoms, such as retinal damage, kidney damage, nerve damage, or cardiovascular diseases.
- Patients Living Alone: Especially those treated with medications that can cause severe hypoglycemia, such as "insulin" and the "sulfonylurea" group (e.g., Amaryl and Daonil).
- Comorbidities: Those with another disease in addition to diabetes, such as heart muscle weakness, previous stroke, or cancer.
- Elderly: Those whose age exceeds seventy-five years.
Again, all of this is directed to diabetic patients to ensure their safety during the blessed month of Ramadan.