A bowl of dates on an iftar table, with bread and oranges

Ramadan

Fasting with diabetes

Ramadan has a special meaning for Muslims everywhere. Fasting from dawn to dusk is one of the five pillars of Islam, required of every healthy adult.

  • 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide
  • 1 of 5 pillars of Islam
  • Dawn to dusk every day of Ramadan

For diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases there are no clear guidelines for stable patients who wish to fast: only expert opinion, not evidence.

As Muslim scientists, it is our responsibility to find answers to unanswered questions.

Until enough evidence is gathered, knowledge must be shared.

Our journey

  1. 2008

    Ramadan Study Group Pakistan founded

    RSGP begins work on Ramadan-specific diabetes education.

  2. [Placeholder: year, supplied by RHSGP]

    Renamed Ramadan and Hajj Study Group Pakistan

    RHSGP extends the work to Hajj awareness and research.

  3. Today

    Raising awareness in Ramadan and Hajj

    Education, guidelines and multicentre research.

Pilgrims in white ihram garments walking near the Kaaba in Mecca

Hajj

Pilgrimage with diabetes

Hajj is compulsory for every adult Muslim who can afford it and is in acceptable health. Many pilgrims are elderly and live with chronic conditions.

  • 2.5 million+ pilgrims each year
  • 10% of older pilgrims have diabetes
  • 250,000 pilgrims with diabetes

Diabetes is a growing cause of illness and death during Hajj. Higher risk:

  • Poor glycaemic control
  • Severe, recurrent hypoglycaemia or unawareness
  • Recent ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar state
  • Advanced renal or cardiovascular disease

Evidence to guide medical decisions before and during Hajj is still lacking.

Goals and objectives

We raise awareness, especially in Ramadan and Hajj, for early diagnosis and better treatment of diabetes and hypertension.

Education

To ensure safe fasting during the month of Ramadan and minimize complications during Hajj.

  • Educate patients, doctors and diabetes educators on Ramadan and Hajj specific recommendations
  • Develop guidelines for doctors
  • Produce Ramadan and Hajj-specific educational materials for patients
Educational material

Research

Evidence-based guidelines for safe fasting and safe pilgrimage to Mecca for people with diabetes.

  • Conduct multinational, multicenter studies
  • Develop evidence-based guidelines for safe fasting
  • Develop evidence-based guidelines for safe pilgrimage to Mecca
Our research

Guidelines and patient leaflets are free to download