Sahur, or what is known as the pre-dawn meal is the meal typically eaten at the very last hour of the night before the commencement of the day fast. However, it may be done in any time of the period between after sleep and before the dawn time. Spiritually, sahur is a prophetic tradition of Muhammad s.a.w and is a recommended (sunnah) act as prescribed through his words – ‘’eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.’’ (narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
In Sahur there is a blessing indeed, and in sahur there is an importance for those with diabetes. Sahur is the last meal that a person can have before they embark on the day fast, which lasts around 12 hours on average here in Malaysia.
In diabetes, a threatening condition called hypoglycemia (lower-than-normal blood sugar level) can induce further complications such as fainting, brain death and so on, both in a short-time and longer-time period. This is due to various reasons, one being the absence of foods, namely carbohydrates and its subsequent sugar Prolonged fasting (or period of non-eating) in Ramadan may induce a low blood sugar condition called hypoglycemia, which is life-threatening. Symptoms of hypoglycemia varies ranging from bodily shaking, sweating profusely, dizziness and so on.
For this exact reason, it is especially important for people with diabetes to have their sahur in the best and most appropriate manner. First, the sahur should be done as late as possible to reduce the time gap of fasting before the iftar (breaking the fast) comes, and thus reduce the tendency of hypoglycemia. This also contain blessings for the believer as it is narrated from the Prophet that “The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten to break the fast and delay the Suhoor.” (narrated by Bukhari).
Continuing from the above point, having a good quality sahur will ensure that you will stay fuller longer and have a reduced tendency for hunger. While this applies to everyone regardless of their medical condition, it’s especially important for people with diabetes as it also reflects the quality of the blood sugar control. Ensuring high amount of fibers and protein, as well as incorporating high-quality carbohydrates from wholemeal sources and incorporating adequate fat will create a quality meal for your sahur.
Hence, should all the qualities is taken into account and the importance of sahur recognized and applied, people with diabetes will have an easier time to observe their fasting duty without compromising their health and diabetes control.