Jakarta - "Berbukalah dengan yang manis" (break the fast with something sweet) is an advertising jingle used by a soft drink company during the fasting month.
Many Indonesians like to break their fast with kolak (sliced banana, cassava and sweet potato in sweet coconut milk).
It has become the custom for Muslims to break their fast with something sweet, probably because the Prophet is supposed to have broken his fast with a date.
"It is best to obtain carbohydrates in the most natural form possible -- dates are preferable to kolak," diabetes expert Aris Wibudi of the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital said recently.
Aris said having sweet food at buka puasa (fast breaking time) rapidly increased the blood sugar concentration, which could have a negative impact on the body, especially for diabetics.
"I never give diabetics permission to fast, even during Ramadhan, because it is difficult to control the glucose level in their blood," he said.
He disagreed with a television advertisement that says it is safe for diabetics to fast if they take a supplement.
However, some health experts disagree with Aris, saying diabetics can fast safely under a doctor`s supervision.
In a symposium during Ramadhan last year, an expert said it was OK for a diabetic to fast if they monitored their diet and blood sugar concentration carefully.
There are three main types of diabetes: type I, type II and gestational diabetes. Patients with Type I diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes, must inject themselves with insulin several times a day.
"Patients who require insulin injections are advised not to fast. However, some may still fast under strict supervision," said Reno Gustaviani of the University of Indonesia.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com (10 Oktober 2007)
