UAE | Health
Diabetics warned against fasting during Ramadan
"Ramadan is a special month for Muslims and everyone wishes to join in its spiritual enjoyment," Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani said.
- By Mahmood Saberi, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:00 July 26, 2010
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons Mahon/Gulf News
- Even people with Type 2 diabetes need to be extra careful if they plan to fast, says Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani.
Dubai People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes should not fast during Ramadan as they are in a high risk category and could end up doing harm to themselves, the chief executive officer of Dubai Hospital has warned.
"Ramadan is a special month for Muslims and everyone wishes to join in its spiritual enjoyment," Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani said.
However, the sugar levels of this particular group of diabetics could fluctuate dangerously during the fast, he added.
Type 1 diabetics depend on injections of insulin to lead a normal life. During the Ramadan fast Muslims go without food and drink during the daylight hours, and taking medicine in public is also not allowed.
Dr Al Madani said even people with Type 2 diabetes need to be extra careful if they plan to fast.
He added that people with cardiac problems in particular should regularly check their sugar levels.
People with Type 2 diabetes can control their illness by adhering to a proper diet and taking medication.
"The summer days are long," Dr Al Madani said.
He advised people to drink plenty of water during "sohour", the pre-dawn meal. He also advised against taking the meal earlier, at, say, around 2am, and then proceeding to sleep. The sohour meal is eaten close to the dawn prayers.
Dr Al Madani pointed to a study he carried out with other leading doctors on recommendations for managing diabetes during Ramadan.
The study found a large number of patients with both types of diabetes fasted and in the process endangered themselves.
Dr Al Madani also advised pregnant women against fasting, adding that they were also at risk.
Health experts have said the UAE has the highest number of diabetics in the world, next to Nauru, a tiny Pacific island which became extremely rich overnight because of rich mineral deposits.
Latest news
- Help clean up Dubai beaches on Friday
- MasterChef's George Calombaris coming to UAE
- Dubai Appeal Court upholds death sentence
- Businesswoman denies making indecent gesture
- 369 truckers fined for traffic violations
- Al Ain Zoo: Four eland antelopes make debut
- Three men held for robbery in Sharjah
- Street lights needed
- Fund to settle unpaid loans of UAE citizens
- Dubai civic body trims costs to achieve surplus
- Fedex delivers when it comes to its employees
- A tale of two books: Unsung and unread
- Signing 1,951 books in single session
- Valentine's Day: The cost of love
- Viber still working in the UAE
Community Reports
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
-
Safety regulations flouted at Dubai work place
In Al Nahda 2, two workers were seen working on the crane boom at a height of 20m without a full body harness or safety net in violation of rules
-
Closing U-turns creates new risks
Authorities urged to reopen closed U-turns or construct new ones on Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi Road in Sharjah
