For diet, modify carbohydrate intake and loads to avoid post-prandial hyperglycaemia. ‘Medication use and adjustments can be directed by practical guidelines.

‘All patients should break their fast if their blood glucose is 16.7, they develop symptoms of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, dehydration or acute illness/cardiac symptoms,’ he said. ‘Pre-Ramadan diabetes education is very important and as per new guidelines, risk stratification is equally as important … as is cultural sensitivity.’ĭr Kawol recommends GPs discuss glucose monitoring, fluids, diet intake and physical activity, and provide education regarding medication adjustments and recognition of red flags such as hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.

‘When they hear it from a local imam, they would comply better. ‘GPs should be aware to ask Muslim patients specifically if they intend to fast,’ he said. He told newsGP that some Muslim people with diabetes may prefer to discuss fasting during Ramadan with their local imam rather than their GP. ‘Because eating patterns can vary significantly from person to person during Ramadan, GPs should develop individualised plans for insulin use for each patient.’ĭr Devendra Kawol is a GP who wrote the Ramadan section of the handbook. Patients who choose to fast should be warned of these complications,’ the handbook states. ‘Fasting can disrupt normal glucose homeostasis and lead to serious consequences. The diabetes handbook, which includes a new section on diabetes management during Ramadan, outlines the main concern is risk of hypoglycaemia. The metabolic nature of diabetes means these people are at greater risk of complications from marked changes in food and fluid intake. However, according to the RACGP’s Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice (diabetes handbook), many people with diabetes still choose to fast during Ramadan.

women who are breastfeeding/pregnant/menstruating.

people with acute and chronic illness, includes diabetes type 1 and 2.

GPs can help to ensure fasting is carried out safely during Ramadan while still respecting religious practices.Īll healthy adult Muslims are obliged to fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan, which this year is observed 12 April – 12 May.Īs per the Quran, exemptions from fasting include:

To help avoid risks while maintaining compliance with religious practices, patient education is the cornerstone of managing diabetes during Ramadan.

Ramadan fasting rules