With the holy month of Ramadan fast approaching, Action on Diabetes (AoD) teamed up with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) to offer a number of awareness-raising workshops to enable diabetics to better manage their condition and ensure safer fasting.
The first event, held at the Women’s Hospital last week, was aimed at pregnant women with diabetes. More than 30 women attended the workshop, which was led by Dr Buthaina al-Owainati, a leading consultant at HMC.
The practical session covered a range of topics and included advice and recommendations on how to manage diabetes during Ramadan as well as tips and recommendations from Action on Diabetes health practitioners.
On June 10, Action on Diabetes organised a similar event in collaboration with Qatar Diabetes Association. Aimed at a broader group of people with diabetes, the session educated attendees about precautions to observe while fasting and how to more safely manage their condition and medication during Ramadan.   
Dr al-Owainati said: “For people living with diabetes, the decision to fast during Ramadan can present challenges, particularly because people will alter their eating patterns and regular exercise routines during this time. At HMC, we are committed to helping patients in managing this change to avoid any complications during Ramadan and to fast in the safest way possible. ”
Action on Diabetes advises patients with the condition who are planning to fast during Ramadan to speak to a consultant or physician beforehand for tips on the most suitable medication or dietary plans.
In addition, patients are advised to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and where possible to engage in moderate physical activity such as stretching and walking.
These workshops are part of an ongoing programme of education, awareness and screening activities being organised by Action on Diabetes in the run-up to and during Ramadan.
For questions or inquiries during Ramadan, contact the Qatar Diabetes Association hotline  44547311 or 55274919 from 8.30am to 1.30pm. For medication instruction or more information, contact the Hamad Medical Corporation & Primary Health Care hotline 55981331 from 8pm to 11pm.