Diabetes Sufferers in the UK Are Warned Not To Fast During Ramadan

Muslims residing in Britain that have been diagnosed with diabetes are hesitant to see their general practitioners during Ramadan, because they will be informed that they cannot engage in fasting. However, despite the risks that are associated with fasting, there are many Muslims residing in the UK, which will put their lives at risks to engage in the activities surrounding the event.

During the holy month, Muslims throughout the United Kingdom will engage in fasting, and not inform their doctors of the dietary choices that are making at the time. Studies published in the Keele journal entitled Health Expectations, has uncovered that Muslims that have diabetes will choose not to tell their GPs of their dietary choices, until the holy month has completed. Doctor Patel, a leading author informed DW that there are a lot of people that are afraid of speaking with their doctors or nurses about how to manage their diabetic conditions.

This is especially true, during the month of Ramadan. Muslims know that they will be told by their general practitioner that they are not allowed to engage in the fasting activities that surround Ramadan. Muslims also figured that if they spoke with their nurses or doctors, they would not understand how significant the holiday is to the Muslim people. Even though most Muslims do fast during the holy time, the Quran does outline a few exceptions to the practice.

According to the Quran, Muslims are informed that they need to refrain from food, during the daylight hours that fall within the Ramadan holiday. This year the holiday begins on the twenty eighth or twenty ninth of June and lasts for thirty days. However, even though the Quran clearly outlines that all Muslims should fast during this time, there are some instances where Muslims can be exempt from having to engage in this religious activity.

Dr Patel, explains that according to the Quran, Muslims can be exempt from fasting if they are sick, menstruating, or travelling. Even though diabetes is categorized as an illness, there are a lot of Muslims that believe that their diabetic condition does not qualify as one. Thinking from this frame of mind, the Muslims suffering from diabetes choose to fast, even though they should not.

Muslims suffering from diabetes that choose to fast, can be hurting themselves immensely. Fasting can adversely affect the way that diabetics control their condition, along with cause dehydration. Over the long term, fasting can increase a diabetic’s chance of mortality. Authors are calling for more information regarding the Ramadan holiday, and insightful pieces of literature to be able to disperse to the Muslim population during this time.

Community leaders have recognised that diabetic Muslims that choose to fast during Ramadan, need to recognise the risks associated with their actions. Leaders are working to address the issues that arise when Ramadan comes around. At times, making the people address the problems associated with their actions seems to be an uphill struggle.

Mr. Diwan who practices at a mosque in Manchester, admits that when visiting patients during Ramadan, that the patients give him every excuse regarding the reasons why they chose to fast. He states that many Muslims that have diabetes have been fasting for twenty or thirty years, telling these individuals that they are unable to fast due to their medical problems, makes them feel guilty that they are not abiding by what the Quran states.

Statistics state that nearly 325,000 Muslims residing in the UK suffer from diabetes. The figures have steadily increased overtime. Reaching patients, while their conditions can be controlled has become burdensome. Patients refuse to seek the proper assistance that they require to control their condition during the holy Holiday of Ramadan.