‘For diabetics, decision to fast or not must be on medical advice’

Karachi

Eminent diabetologist Professor Dr Abdul Basit on Wednesday said diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan, as according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there are currently approximately seven million diabetic patients in the country, and the figure is projected to rise to 14.4 million diabetics by 2040.

He revealed these statistics during an informative seminar, organised by Sanofi in collaboration with the Baqai Institute of Diabetes Endocrinology (BIDE), at the Karachi Press Club.

Prof Dr Basit, who is also an author of Guidelines on Diabetes Management during Ramadan, shared guidance on the management of diabetes during the holy month of Ramadan.

He said understandably many people with diabetes are eager to fast during Ramadan and therefore they must consult with their doctor prior to the onset of Ramadan.

He added that treating physicians would assess the ability of their patients to fast and advise accordingly.

Prof Basit warned that patients must not place themselves at risk as the decision to fast or not should be based on medical advice.

He also emphasised that following a highly individualised management plan and close follow up were essential to avoid development of complications.

He said guidance is based on the New Guidelines on Diabetes Management during Ramadan launched in Dubai last month by the Diabetes Ramadan International Alliance (DAR).

Prof Basit stated that these guidelines were the result of the combined expertise and efforts of international experts from multiple countries and supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi.

He said Ramadan is one of the holiest periods in the Muslim calendar but fasting could adversely affect the health of a person who is unwell or suffers from a chronic condition such as diabetes.

The expert explained that Islam exempts sick patients from fasting but a significant number of Muslim patients would like to fast. With so many Muslims with diabetes wanting to fast, there was a dire need for internationally recognized guidelines for doctors to follow while advising their patients.