Summer-winter switching of the Ramadan fasts in people with diabetes living in temperate regions

Ghouri, N. , Gatrad, R., Sattar, N. , Dhami, S. and Sheikh, A. (2013) Summer-winter switching of the Ramadan fasts in people with diabetes living in temperate regions. Diabetic Medicine, 29(6), pp. 696-697. (doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03519.x)

Abstract

Nearly a quarter of the world’s population is Muslim, with increasing numbers living in non-equatorial regions. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, but the observance of this tenet is challenging for those living in temperate climates when Ramadan (the annual fasting month for Muslims) falls during the summer months, as will occur over the next decade. This can be especially problematic for people with diabetes, many of whom require treatment with insulin. Clinicians are divided in their views concerning the safety and management of these individuals during the long fasts at the height of summer. However, this need not be the case if clinicians and patients consider following a religious dispensation that has been underutilized in clinical decisions on the safety of fasting; namely, the provision to fast at times outside of the official Ramadan period. This alternative is encouraged when health will be significantly affected by fasting during the prescribed period. If this suggestion is widely accepted, local Islamic leaders could be encouraged to designate alternative periods for fasting, which may help in retaining some of the community spirit that collective fasting during Ramadan engenders.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ghouri, Dr Nazim and Sattar, Professor Naveed
• Authors: Ghouri, N., Gatrad, R., Sattar, N., Dhami, S., and Sheikh, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Diabetic Medicine
• ISSN: 0742-3071
• ISSN (Online): 1464-5491
• Published Online: 16 May 2012