During Ramadan every one is busy preparing samosas, kebabs and other delights. By Sumaiya Patel

It seems that in a month where there is an abstinence from food and drink, there is a greater concentration on this than anything else!

However for those suffering from Diabetes during Ramadan try and hold on to any healthy eating habits that you have formed.

Usually large amounts of sugary drinks, such as canned juices and fizzy drinks, together with lots of fried foods and carbohydrate-rich meals are taken during the non-fasting hours. And then there are all those sweet treats, especially prepared for the blessed month.

Some dietary guidelines:

Eat only small amounts of fried foods such as samosas, pakoras and parathas.

Only eat small portions of sweet foods such as mithai, ladoo and jalebi

Eat more vegetables and salad

Fill up on foods like basmati rice, chapatti and naan

Include fruits, vegetables, dhal and yoghurt in your meals at Iftar and Sehri (early morning).

Measure the amount of oil used in cooking (use 1-2 tablespoons for a four-person dish).

Choose sugar-free types of fizzy drinks and cordials. Choose sugar-free drinks or water to quench your thirst. Avoid adding sugar to drinks; use an sweetener instead.

If you do not take any medication for your diabetes, you should be able to fast safely. Just remember to follow the above guidelines.

If you take tablets to control your diabete it may be beat to talk to your doctor or practice nurse before you fast. Some tablets used to treat diabetes may make your bloodsugar go too low (hypo). Your doctor may want to change the type or amount taken to reduce the risk of hypo's.

If you are treated with insulin you may be exempt from fasting, speak to your doctor first. However if you decide to fast you need to be very careful and your insulin doses may need adjusting. You may be at higher risk of hypos (low blood sugar)

Warning signs for hypo's: Instense hunger, sweating, dizziness, blurred vision, shaking, drowsiness, irratibility, palpitations, irrational behaviour.

If you have a hypo you will need to break your fast. Take 3 glucose tablets or a sugary drink, like Lucozade. After the symptoms go away have some starchy foods like a sandwich, biscuits and milk, chapatti.

Remember do not stop taking you insulin during Ramadan.