THE Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance in partnership with International Diabetes Federations launched the ‘New Guidelines on Diabetes Management during Ramadan’ at a conference in Durban, with support from Sanofi’s educational grant.
These guidelines are a result of the combined expertise and efforts of international experts from multiple countries such as the USA, UK, France, Turkey, Sudan, Egypt, South Africa, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, UAE, Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia to combine their voluntary efforts in creation of the Diabetes Management Guidelines.
The launch conference brought forward key challenges associated with diabetes management during the holy month of Ramadan, while raising awareness on the need for minimising health risks through increased education and guidance.
The congress included participation from various healthcare professionals and religious leaders. Over two days they deliberated upon several key topics, including the latest new research in diabetes and Ramadan, epidemiology of diabetes and Ramadan, the physiology of fasting, risk stratification, nutrition advice, medication adjustment and the implementation of recommendations.
South Africa has an estimated 8.27 per cent prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus type 2 with approximately 2.6 million patients with diabetes, diagnosed or undiagnosed. Most cases are type 2, developing over time. Diabetes results in over 83 000 deaths each year and 78 900 years lost due to disability, which measures the equivalent loss of life due to ill-health, particularly blindness and amputations.
The highest prevalence of diabetes is among the Indian population in South Africa 11 per cent to 13 per cent among Indians. This is followed by eight to 10 per cent in the coloured community, five to eight per cent among blacks and four per cent among whites.
Dr Mohamed Hassanein, Chair of Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance, said many people with diabetes are keen to fast during Ramadan, but the key is to empower them, and enable them to take decisions based on the recommendations that are harmonized between religious and medical authorities.
“Educating patients on the potential risks associated with fasting or feasting during Ramadan is imperative. The key is to empower patients, and enable them to take decisions based on the recommendations that are harmonized between religious and medical authorities. In South Africa, the Diabetes Educator Society of South Africa (DESSA) is endorsing the new guidelines to ensure maximum uptake amongst the healthcare community and people living with the condition. We hope that the comprehensive content presented in the IDF-DAR Practical Guidelines will greatly enhance knowledge surrounding the issue of diabetes and Ramadan fasting, thereby empowering HCPs to give the most up-to-date advice and the best possible support to their patients,” he said.
The updated guidelines are based on learnings from previous years, offering improved management strategies and newer evidence based medicine to help people fast with minimal risk. They will ensure effective communication with, and, education of all those involved, including patients, Health Care Practitioners, religious leaders, and the wider community. High emphasis has been laid on the importance of individualization within a diabetes management plan. For instance, the Ramadan Nutrition Plan (RNP) aims to provide HCPs with information to help them individualize nutrition for people with diabetes during Ramadan.
Experts emphasised that the decision to fast with diabetes must be taken while maintaining a balance between the guidelines for religious exemptions and assessment of the risks involved in consultation with health care providers. Following a highly individualised management plan and close follow-up is 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 guidelines and material will be available online on the IDF and DAR websites.
