Preparing for Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth, holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide – this is a time for spiritual focus, including fasting from dawn to sunset, and connection with yourself and community.

During Ramadan, the daily fast is broken with a meal called iftar and begins after a pre-dawn meal called suhoor.

Fasting can be spiritually rewarding, and it can also present challenges for the body and our nutrition needs. Having only two main meals each day, different mealtimes, and variations in food and fluid intake can affect digestion, hydration, energy levels, and metabolic health. For people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, fasting during Ramadan can be challenging to manage. Health risks may include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), dehydration, and fluctuations in glucose levels if not carefully managed.

We recognize the importance of supporting our patients and communities during Ramadan. That’s why our Registered Dietitians are hosting three workshops: Ramadan and Healthy Eating (virtual), Ramadan and Diabetes (virtual), and an in-person session on Ramadan and Diabetes at ISNA mosque (2200 South Sheridan Way, Mississauga, ON).

These sessions are designed to help participating community members make informed food choices, maintain balanced nutrition during fasting hours, understand how meal timing affects metabolism, and safely manage chronic health conditions like diabetes while observing Ramadan.