LOCAL Ramadan Radio Broadcasting on 87.7FM - with Healthcare professionals talking on every Friday during Ramadan.
DIABETES AND RAMADAN
Ramadan this year is between 12th August and 12th September 2010 (Approximately)
DUE TO RAMADAN FALLING IN THE SUMMER MONTH THE PERIOD OF FASTING IS MUCH LONGER AT THE BEGINNING 15 HOURS +
If you are thinking of Fasting this Ramadan then you might need to visit your Diabetes team before Ramadan for advice on fasting and diabetes. This means booking an appointment at least 2 months before the start of Ramadan.
If you do not discuss medication changes before you start fasting you may be at risk from hypoglycaemia (blood glucose levels less than 4 mmol/l) if you are on some medications and / or insulin. Sometimes people can also have high blood glucose levels during this time, which can lead to health problems in the short and long term.
Before you decide to choose to fast this year please read the advice below and seek further advice from your healthcare professional.
Now’s a good time to stop smoking for Ramadan and for life.
WHAT IS RAMADAN?
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month where Fasting is compulsory for all healthy Muslims every year. Ramadan lasts for 29- 30 days each year depending on the sighting of the moon. (Lunar Calendar)
This year Ramadan falls from the summer month of August through to September, with Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrated when the new moon is sighted. There are approximately 2.5 million people who are Muslims in Britain making Islam the 2nd largest religion.
FASTING IN ISLAM
For Muslims fasting is a time to go without food, liquids, tobacco, sexual activity and medication (including oral, inhaler and injection medications) between the hours of sunrise to sunset. Healthy Muslims will fast whilst continuing with their day to day routine and will also perform extra prayers, do good deeds and spend more time with family and friends.
Those who do not have to fast during this time include:
Children
The sick
The elderly
The mentally handicapped
People who would be putting their health at serious risk by fasting i.e. those with long term conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Those who do not fast should give charity to the poor. Speak to your local mosque for advise.
Pregnant and nursing mothers
Menstruating women
If you are travelling In these instances the person can make up the fast at a later date, or provide meals to the needy or give charity donations to the poor
If a fasting person becomes ill, they can end the fast in the day
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FASTING MONTH
In Ramadan a Muslim fasts from sunrise until sunset
A meal is usually eaten before dawn (known as SEHRI) this is highly recommended to prevent hypoglycaemia. Dawn prayers are then performed either at home (women) or in the mosque (men). The fasting person then continues with his normal day to day routine.
At sunset the fast is broken (known as IFTARI).Traditionally a date is the first thing to be consumed. The main meal is eaten therafter.
The men then go to the mosque for special night prayers,(Taraweeh) which involves standing and listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran throughout the month. These prayers can last anything from 1-2 hours each night (women pray at home) Additional sermons are delivered at the mosque and are in addition to the usual 5 daily prayers. See Diabetes UK Ramadan Calendar for times
WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR BODY DURING FASTS
Usually your body enters into a fasting state eight 8 or so hours after the last meal. Your body will initially use stored sources of glucose which can put you at risk of hypoglycaemia on some medications and / or insulin. Later in the fast your body will break down fat as a source of energy. Generally speaking the longer the hours of daylight, the longer the period of fasting. This may cause some difficulties in maintaining your blood glucose levels.
Exercise Praying 5 times a day and the additional night prayers (taraweeh) is physical activity/ exercise make sure that during the long night prayers you drink water and take fruit as a snack.
Religion It is also important to follow good time management procedures for prayer and other religious activities, sleep, studies, work, and physical activities or exercise. A good balance in the amount of time for each activity will lead to a healthier body and mind in Ramadan.
