With Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan from June 18 to July 17, and abstaining from food, drink and oral medications from dawn to dusk, fasting presents significant challenges for diabetics.
Although the Quran specifically exempts people with a medical condition from fasting, many diabetic Muslims still choose to fast.
A statement received from a medical director of Lilly South Africa, Dr Aneesa Sheik, reads: “Fasting presents significant challenges for diabetics in terms of managing blood sugar levels.”
They are requested to consult with their doctor prior to Ramadan.
Aneesa says diabetics face major disruptions to their diet and daily routines, which may lead to serious complications such as low or high blood sugar levels.
This is due to the lack of food and water during the day, and followed by a heavy evening meal at night, this can create serious health issues.
Blood sugar levels that are too low and left untreated can cause confusion, clumsiness, or fainting, and in the case of severe low blood sugar, can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
A high blood sugar level can damage blood vessels, and over a long period of time can result in serious complications, including irreversible organ damage.
Prof MAK Omar, a leading medical professional, says finding the right tools and resources, including time and personnel to educate patients and encourage them to discuss a treatment plan for fasting with their doctor, is still a major challenge for healthcare professionals.
He claims many of his patients have undertaken such an exercise and have found it very useful in managing their diabetes during Ramadan.
Diabetic Maulana (priest) Abbas Ali from Bakerton, says he medicates before dusk and again after dawn, and is yet to experience any problems.
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