Ramadan Fasting Presents An Extra Challenge For Muslims With Diabetes

But Muslims with diabetes can find Ramadan and its religious obligations, including daily fasting, particularly difficult to navigate. They need to pay special attention to medication, diet and control of blood sugar levels. But doctors say that fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is still possible for some people with type 2 diabetes. Some can fast easily, others can fast with caution or not at all, according to Dr. Fauzia Moyeen. but said that those with type 1 diabetes can not even try to fast. “We’ve been working hard over the last month to raise awareness among communities and doctors and nurses,” said Moyeen, an international diabetes educator and diabetes educator who developed the condition herself two years ago. “First, we need to train people with diabetes to stay in close contact with their doctors, educators and pharmacists during Ramadan,” Moyeen said. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce insulin, the hormone that controls blood glucose, or does not properly use the insulin it can produce. Aside from problems with regulating blood sugar, overeating when breaking the fast at the end of the day can also be a problem, as you are tempted by sweet treats and rich foods, says Moyeen. He says people with type 2 diabetes who want to fast should assess the risk before doing so, through their family doctor. Dr. Mukarram Zaidi says people with diabetes should always consult a family doctor before attempting to fast. (Dan McGarvey / CBC)
In Islam, children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, and people with diseases are excluded from fasting. But some still want to fast in some capacity. Moyeen says changing expectations, such as fasting for fewer days and avoiding problem foods, can make it possible. “Those who still want, we help,” said Moyeen. “They also need to talk to their doctor.” Dr. Mukarram Zaidi, a family doctor, says that Muslims with diabetes should always contact their doctor before Ramadan to discuss a plan. “In Islam, it is okay not to fast if your family doctor tells you it is okay,” Zaidi said. Zaidi says that Ramadan is not about forcing people to fast. “They have to take blood samples first and their doctor is the best to tell them if they can fast,” he said. “Also, to see if their medicines can be adapted for Ramadan.” Zaidi says patients should monitor their caloric intake and avoid high-glycemic foods and products rich in sugars and fried foods, choosing slower-release carbohydrates such as whole-grain breads and rice. Ramadan lasts in April.

title: “Ramadan Fasting Presents An Extra Challenge For Muslims With Diabetes " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-20” author: “Cheryl Guillory”

But Muslims with diabetes can find Ramadan and its religious obligations, including daily fasting, particularly difficult to navigate. They need to pay special attention to medication, diet and control of blood sugar levels. But doctors say that fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is still possible for some people with type 2 diabetes. Some can fast easily, others can fast with caution or not at all, according to Dr. Fauzia Moyeen. but said that those with type 1 diabetes can not even try to fast. “We’ve been working hard over the last month to raise awareness among communities and doctors and nurses,” said Moyeen, an international diabetes educator and diabetes educator who developed the condition herself two years ago. “First, we need to train people with diabetes to stay in close contact with their doctors, educators and pharmacists during Ramadan,” Moyeen said. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce insulin, the hormone that controls blood glucose, or does not properly use the insulin it can produce. Aside from problems with regulating blood sugar, overeating when breaking the fast at the end of the day can also be a problem, as you are tempted by sweet treats and rich foods, says Moyeen. He says people with type 2 diabetes who want to fast should assess the risk before doing so, through their family doctor. Dr. Mukarram Zaidi says people with diabetes should always consult a family doctor before attempting to fast. (Dan McGarvey / CBC)
In Islam, children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, and people with diseases are excluded from fasting. But some still want to fast in some capacity. Moyeen says changing expectations, such as fasting for fewer days and avoiding problem foods, can make it possible. “Those who still want, we help,” said Moyeen. “They also need to talk to their doctor.” Dr. Mukarram Zaidi, a family doctor, says that Muslims with diabetes should always contact their doctor before Ramadan to discuss a plan. “In Islam, it is okay not to fast if your family doctor tells you it is okay,” Zaidi said. Zaidi says that Ramadan is not about forcing people to fast. “They have to take blood samples first and their doctor is the best to tell them if they can fast,” he said. “Also, to see if their medicines can be adapted for Ramadan.” Zaidi says patients should monitor their caloric intake and avoid high-glycemic foods and products rich in sugars and fried foods, choosing slower-release carbohydrates such as whole-grain breads and rice. Ramadan lasts in April.