insulin during Ramadan: How diabetics take insulin during fasting

Many diabetic patients worry about giving insulin during Ramadan. They want to have a clear idea. Dr. Abir Hasan, Resident Physician of BSMMU advised about taking insulin during Ramadan.

1. Those who take pre-mixed insulin or those who take double insulin should take their morning insulin during Iftar. However, there is no need to wait half an hour after taking insulin. Insulin can be taken 20 minutes before Iftar. Insulin should be taken at night during sehri.

2. For those whose blood glucose is under control, the dose during Iftar (morning dose) should be 20-30 percent less than the usual. At sehri, insulin should be taken half or one-third than normal dose.

3. For those whose glucose is not under control or is high, the morning dose will be decreased by 20-30 percent. At sehri, insulin should be given half of the night dose.

4. If someone is taking basal insulin during Ramadan, his dose will be reduced by 20-30 percent.

5. If someone is taking oral medication with insulin, the morning dose will be taken at Iftar and the night dose at Sehri.

6. Diabetic patients must have their insulin dose and diet adjusted by an experienced diabetic specialist at the beginning of the Ramadan.