Diabetes Management During Times of Religious Fasting / Ramadan

Zoobia Chaudhry, M.D.

DEFINITION

Fasting is considered one of the five pillars of Islam.
Fasting includes abstaining from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset for 29-30 days in the ninth month of Islamic calendar.
Observing Ramadan is considered obligatory for Muslims with some exceptions (i.e. serious illness or traveling).
It is part of the Ramadan tradition that the family wakes up before dawn to have a meal. Overindulgence in food rich in carbohydrates and saturated fat (depending on the local culture) at breaking of the fast is common.
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims also increase the amount of nightly prayers, charity and recitation of Quran (holy book of Muslims). Fasting and additional worship is considered a means for spiritual revival.
Some Muslims may choose to fast additional days throughout the year.

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