‘More research needed on safe fasting with diabetes’

Speakers stress need for people with chronic illnesses, comorbidities to consult doctors ahead of Ramazan

KARACHI:

There is need for more scientific research in the area of fasting with diabetes, emphasised health experts and religious scholars on Saturday, during a two-day online conference jointly organised by the Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and other institutions.

Speaking on the first day of the ‘International Diabetes and Ramadan Conference, 2021’, the speakers stressed the need for persons having chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary diseases, to consult their doctors and physicians for ensuring safe fasting during Ramazan.

“People often express extreme views, with some believing that fasting is very harmful for the diabetics in all circumstances, and others maintaining that fasting should be practiced [even] with worst [health] condition,” observed renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani. “But I think medical practitioners are in a better position to explain to patients as to how they should fast safely.”

Mufti Taqi Usmai maintained that millions of Muslims across the world suffered from different chronic illnesses, especially diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, but they also wanted to observe fast in Ramazan and wanted to know medical expert’s opinion on the matter.

Besides, IDF president Prof Andrew Boulton underscored the need for people with diabetes to know how to look after their health during Ramazan.

Another eminent diabetologist from Norway and president-elect of the IDF, Prof Akhter Hussain said a study conducted in 2010 had revealed that around 95 percent of people with type 2 diabetes fasted for 15 days and 65 percent of diabetics fasted for the entire month.

“I’m glad that research in the area of diabetes and Ramazan has increased significantly during last five years, but there are still several areas where further research is required to answer questions about different populations and regions where food habits are different”, he added.

Moreover, Prof Yakoob Ahmedani said people with diabetes and other comorbidities should visit their physician at least six to eight weeks before the start of Ramazan and there was also a need to educate doctors on safe fasting.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2021.