New guidelines issued to manage diabetes during Ramadan fasting

A group of expert organisations has developed new guidelines on diabetes management during Ramadan.

The Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance (DaR), in partnership with International Diabetes Federation (IDA) and Qatar Diabetes Association, announced the ‘New Guidelines on Diabetes Management during Ramadan’ during the fourth DaR International Alliance congress.

The updated guidelines are based on learning from previous years, offering improved management strategies and newer evidence-based medicine to help people fast with minimal risk.

Emphasis has been laid on the importance of individualisation within a diabetes management plan. For instance, the Ramadan Nutrition Plan aims to provide people with information to help them individualise nutrition for people with diabetes during the holy month.

The conference also brought forth key challenges associated with diabetes management during the holy month, while raising awareness about the need for minimising health risks through increased education and guidance.

“Many people with diabetes are keen to fast during Ramadan. Awareness about diabetes management and structured diabetes education are essential for the management of the condition in preparation for the fasting period. Medical professionals, religious leaders and healthcare providers need to work in harmony to ensure a safe and healthy holy month for all,” said Dr Shaukat Sadikot, President, IDA.

IDF, in collaboration with DaR, gathered 31 experts from across the US, the UK, France, Turkey, Sudan, Egypt, South Africa, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia to combine their voluntary efforts in creation of the guidelines.

Experts at the conference stressed that the decision to fast must be taken while maintaining a balance between the guidelines for religious exemptions and assessment of the risks involved, in consultation with healthcare providers.

Following a highly individualised management plan and follow-up are essential to avoid development of complications.

People who wish to partake in fasting during Ramadan must therefore collaborate with their physician to undertake the fast as safely as possible during this holy month.

The online guide to manage diabetes during Ramadan can be accessed here.