Feature: July/August 2010

Muslim Religious Observances and Diabetes

In 2010 the estimated dates for Ramadan are August 11 through September 9. 

Muslims must fulfill a number of religious obligations, the essence of which is known as the five pillars of Islam. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan is believed to be the most blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year. The classic Islamic point of view is that Ramadan fasting is good for the health and spiritual cleanliness of Muslims. Ramadan gives those fasting an opportunity to practice self-control and to obtain the rewards of God. For these reasons, many Muslims who are religiously exempted from fasting on the basis of being sick still insist on doing so, even against medical advice. These individuals will observe Ramadan fasting as long as they can, determined to participate fully with others in the excitement and spirituality of the month.  Results of a 2001 study “Epidemiology of Diabetes and Ramadan (EPIDIAR)” showed that (among 12,243 Muslims with diabetes from 13 Islamic countries) 43% of T1DM patients and 79% of T2DM patients fast during Ramadan (Al-Arouj et al., 2005).

Muslims who are diabetic face significant challenges managing their diabetes as fasting requires abstention from all food, fluids, oral medications, and IV fluids (medicinal and nutritional) during daylight hours. Muslims may resist blood draws at this time in order to minimize fluid loss while fasting.

To read more about Ramadan fasting and diabetes, as well as general recommendations for health care providers concerning patient care and medication management during periods of fasting, read entire article...

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