Diabetics urged to prepare for Ramadan early

The timing of Ramadan, taking place during the summer this year, makes it all the more critical that the GCC's more than 6 million diabetics take special care of themselves.

"People with diabetes can fast during Ramadan. It depends whether you are taking insulin or you are taking tablets," says Dr. Abdulrazzaq Al Madani, endocrinologist and head of the Emirates Diabetes Association.

"If you are taking tablets and maintaining your diet, you can fast Ramadan without any problem provided that you have controlled your blood sugar properly before the month of Ramadan. For this reason, diabetes sufferers must seek the advice of their doctor, prior to fasting, to help them adjust their medication and diet. In fact, changing their diet and lifestyle for Ramadan can actually be beneficial to diabetes sufferers."

Some 246 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes and this figure is expected to grow to 380 million by 2025.

Diabetes affects more than 10% of adults in the GCC states with the adult populations of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia both having more than 20% incidence of diabetes.

With such high incidences of diabetes it is important that not only the diabetes sufferers themselves, but their families, friends and employers have some awareness of the condition, particularly if they intend to fast during Ramadan.

In general, people suffering from 'Type 1 diabetes' are advised not to fast during Ramadan, since the bodies of people with Type 1 diabetes do not make their own insulin, so they must take insulin doses daily.

People suffering from 'Type 2 diabete' are usually able to fast, providing that they know how to manage themselves in case they develop hypoglycaemia (a lower than normal level of blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (a higher than normal level of blood sugar).

However, it is critical for diabetics to seek medical advice prior to beginning the month of fasting in order that the can manage their condition effectively and avoid complications.

"It is very important for a patient with diabetes during the month of Ramadan to drink a lot of water, especially with the Suhour meal," said Dr. Al Madani. "Drinking an excess of water is important to prevent the dehydration during the fasting hours, particularly during this hot summer weather. It is also important for the patient of diabetes to delay his Suhour meal to before dawn, in order to reduce the hours of fasting.