by NHS Greenwich CCG | Health
NHS Greenwich CCG is raising awareness of Diabetes during Ramadan that begins on Monday 6 June. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a period during the hours of daylight of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in the United Kingdom.
Fasting is a complete abstinence from both food and drink that lasts between dawn and sunset and is compulsory for all healthy adult Muslims.
As Ramadan takes place during the summer the period of fasting is longer, meaning that it is even more important to be aware of your health.
Local GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Dr Ellen Wright (top right) said: "It is important to continue to take your medicines during Ramadan – if you think there is a problem, please don’t hesitate to seek medical help. If you have diabetes and normally monitor your blood glucose levels you should continue to do so."
Longer, warmer days can increase the risk of dehydration, causing body aches, cramps, dizziness and exhaustion. Dehydration can particularly affect people with existing medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
As Ramadan takes place during the summer the period of fasting is longer, meaning that it is even more important to be aware of your health.
Local GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Dr Ellen Wright (top right) said: "It is important to continue to take your medicines during Ramadan – if you think there is a problem, please don’t hesitate to seek medical help. If you have diabetes and normally monitor your blood glucose levels you should continue to do so."
Longer, warmer days can increase the risk of dehydration, causing body aches, cramps, dizziness and exhaustion. Dehydration can particularly affect people with existing medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
To stay healthy, it’s important to take some simple precautions, such as avoiding long periods of time in the sun, rehydrating well during non-fasting hours and cutting back on all types of caffeinated drinks.
It’s also important that people taking regular medication, such as for diabetes or high blood pressure, continue to take this as prescribed until they’ve spoken to their GP about how to fast safely.
For some people with diabetes, fasting can be dangerous and could cause problems to your health. Choosing to fast is a personal decision; however you should seek advice from your GP or a diabetes health professional to discuss your diabetes control and whether it is safe for you fast. Pregnant woman with diabetes are exempted from fasting during Ramadan as it could put them or their unborn child at risk.
There are two main problems that may occur in patients with diabetes during Ramadan:
* Hypoglycaemia: Hypoglycaemia develops when there is too little sugar in the blood (because of decreased food intake). Occasionally hyperglycaemia (too much sugar in the blood) might occur if you stop taking your diabetes tablets.
* Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in.
* There are number of early signs to look out for:
* Increased thirst/Dry mouth
* Headaches
* Difficulty concentrating
* Blurred vision
* Heart palpitations
* Frequent urination
* Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
* Nausea and vomiting
* Blood sugar less than 4 mmol/L or more than 9 mmol/L (UK units)
Do not ignore the warning signs of hyperglycaemia or dehydration as you could become very unwell. If you do begin to see these signs, you MUST speak with your doctor or diabetes health professional immediately to seek medical advice.
For more information on Diabetes during Ramadan, please visit::
For some people with diabetes, fasting can be dangerous and could cause problems to your health. Choosing to fast is a personal decision; however you should seek advice from your GP or a diabetes health professional to discuss your diabetes control and whether it is safe for you fast. Pregnant woman with diabetes are exempted from fasting during Ramadan as it could put them or their unborn child at risk.
There are two main problems that may occur in patients with diabetes during Ramadan:
* Hypoglycaemia: Hypoglycaemia develops when there is too little sugar in the blood (because of decreased food intake). Occasionally hyperglycaemia (too much sugar in the blood) might occur if you stop taking your diabetes tablets.
* Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in.
* There are number of early signs to look out for:
* Increased thirst/Dry mouth
* Headaches
* Difficulty concentrating
* Blurred vision
* Heart palpitations
* Frequent urination
* Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
* Nausea and vomiting
* Blood sugar less than 4 mmol/L or more than 9 mmol/L (UK units)
Do not ignore the warning signs of hyperglycaemia or dehydration as you could become very unwell. If you do begin to see these signs, you MUST speak with your doctor or diabetes health professional immediately to seek medical advice.
For more information on Diabetes during Ramadan, please visit::
For more information on how you can stay healthy during Ramadan please visit:
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