The Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance in partnership with International Diabetes Federation and Qatar Diabetes Association organised the fourth DAR International Alliance Congress, with the announcement of new guidelines on diabetes management during Ramadan.
The conference also sought to raise awareness on the need for minimising health risks through increased education and guidance. IDF, in collaboration with DAR gathered 31 international experts to combine their voluntary efforts in creation of the diabetes management guidelines.
“Fasting is not meant to create excessive hardship on an individual according to religious tenets,” said IDF president Dr Shaukat Sadikot, while pointing out that many people with diabetes are keen on fasting during Ramadan.
“Awareness on diabetes management and structured diabetes education is an essential tool for the management of the condition in preparation for the fasting period. Medical professionals, religious leaders and healthcare providers need to work in harmony to ensure a safe and healthy holy month for all,” he explained.
The congress saw participation from more than 500 delegates from across 30 countries, including healthcare professionals, religious leaders and media. They deliberated upon several key topics, including the latest new research in diabetes and Ramadan, epidemiology of diabetes and Ramadan, the physiology of fasting, risk stratification, nutrition advice, medication adjustment and the implementation of recommendations.
“It is important for medical professionals to work very closely with their patients and educate them on the potential risks associated with fasting or feasting during Ramadan. Our aim is to increase safety for people with diabetes during Ramadan. The key is to empower patients, and enable them to take decisions based on the recommendations that are harmonised between religious and medical authorities,” said Dr Mohamed Hassanein, chairman of Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance.
“In Qatar, the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) is endorsing the new guidelines to ensure maximum uptake amongst the healthcare community and people living with the condition. Throughout these guidelines, we aim to ensure that people with diabetes are aided with the best tools to manage their health throughout the holy month of Ramadan,” said executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq.
The updated guidelines, developed with the support of an educational grant from Sanofi, are based on learnings from previous years, offering improved management strategies and newer evidence based medicine to help people fast with minimal risk. They will ensure effective communication with, and, education of all those involved, including patients, health care practitioners, religious leaders, and the wider community.
High emphasis has been laid on the importance of individualisation within a diabetes management plan. For instance, the Ramadan Nutrition Plan aims to provide health care practitioners with information to help them individualise nutrition for people with diabetes during Ramadan.