Depending on the geographical location and season, the duration of the daily fast may range from a few to 20 hours. Muslims who fast during Ramadan must abstain from eating, drinking, taking oral medications, and smoking from before dawn until after sunset; there are no restrictions on food or fluid intake between sunset and dawn.

Muslims constitue almost 25% of the global population and in many countries with high Muslim population, there is a high prevalence of diabetes. Although the Qur’an, the sacred religious text of Islam, specifically exempts people with a medical condition from the duty of fasting, many Muslims with diabetes insist on fasting during Ramadan. The majority fast safely, but some have difficulties. Understanding what is Ramadan, who is at risk if they fast and how we can minimise that risk is essential. The role of education in Ramadan is also of major benefit. 

What is the role of education to improve safety in Ramadan for people with diabetes ?

Information about the discussion leader

The discussion will be moderated by:

Dr Mohamed Hassanein,  Senior Endocrinologists, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE, Associate Director, Postgraduate Diabetes Education, Cardiff University, UK and Chair of Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance.

Prof Wan Mohamad Wan Bebakar, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.

Prof  Wasim Hanif, Professor Diabetes & Endocrinology, Head of Service Diabetes, University Hospital Birmingham, UK.

References

1. www.daralliance.org
2. IDF-DAR Practical guidelines
3. ADA diabetes and Ramadan recommendations