A guide to meal times, food, hydration and blood glucose checking during Ramadan.

If you have diabetes and are fasting for Ramadan, it's important that you speak to your Doctor, Diabetes Educator, and Dietitian.

Infographic explaining managing diabetes durring Ramadan

Before Sunrise

The meal before sunrise should be the largest meal, This will help to provide energy, nutritional needs, hydration and help sustain your blood glucose levels over the day.

Include complex or low glycaemic index carbohydrates such as rolled oats, grain breads, pita bread, high fibre breakfast cereal, fruit whole grains and legumes.

The amount of carbohydrate also needs to be considered. This involves having enough for energy and blood sugar requirements, but not too much so that glucose levels don’t go too high.

Include some protein such as eggs, tofu, cheese or falafel as this will help fill you up.

Make sure enough water is consumed.

During the Day

Make sure you are checking glucose levels and you discuss fasting with your healthcare team.

Exercise during Ramadan may also need to be modified.

Medications may also need to be reviewed when you are fasting.

You may experience high or low blood glucose levels during the day, at night and after meals. If you are on medications for your diabetes, these may need to be reviewed by your health care team.

After Sunset

After sunset, you can break the fast with some water and 2-3 dates or other dried fruit, and some soup which will provide a quick energy burst.

Your evening meal to follow should include a balanced meal as pictured. The plate pictured has 1/4 carbohydrates, 1/4 protein and 1/2 fresh or cooked salad or vegetables.

Eat the right type of complex or low glycaemic index carbohydrates such as basmati rice, sweet potato, quinoa, grain breads, fruit, pasta and potato.

Include some protein to fill you up maintain muscle mass and metabolism.

Include plenty of salad and vegetables to help fill you up, fibre for bowel health

Try to avoid excessive intake of desserts, sweets, fried and salty foods.

Try to eat slowly, and chew your food well to prevent overeating.

After the main meal, again check blood glucose levels.

Have a snack before going to bed.

For an evening snack, you can include more water, with some fruit, some milk, yoghurt or a sandwich.

Revised February 2023

Acknowledgment to Lina Breik (Advanced APD) and Hiba Agha (APD) for assistance with the development of this material.

Managing Food Intake and Diabetes During Ramadan