Many of our patients are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan, a very important time in the Muslim calendar. In the month (18th/19th February – around 19th March) Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, fulfilling one of their religious obligations. This strengthens their faith and they may grow closer to Allah. It promotes empathy for those less fortunate, reflecting spiritually on their lives and to be grateful and humble.
People with diabetes may wish to observe the holy month through fasting with friends and family but this may not be best for them in terms of a medical aspect. It requires you to think if you understand the risks, how to keep yourself and your body safe and how/what to eat when breaking your fast. You are exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to your health so this is something you may wish to take into consideration.
In the fact sheet below, in English, Bengali, Arabic and Urdu – you can read about different ways to help yourself fast safely if you are a diabetic patient observing the month currently.