The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has updated its advice about how to control diabetes throughout the annual fasting period of Ramadan.
This year, Ramadan starts on 6 June. The start and end dates depend on sighting of the moon. Ramadan is observed by more than 1billion Muslims each year and it commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Mohammad.
The new guidelines have been drawn up by the Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) International Alliance. They have been approved by the senior Muslim professor, Sawky Ibrhaim Allam.
During Ramadam, practising Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The new guidelines say that people with diabetes should make the decision about fasting on an individual basis and in consultation with their physician.
The guidelines state that the decision should take in to account the severity of their illness and the level of risk. They also provide nutrition plans and medication adjustment suggestions that can be used during fasting.
The NHS recommends that people who control their diabetes using diet or tablets can fast with healthcare guidance, but advises those who use insulin to control their diabetes not to do so.
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