Doctors in Islamic communities in Europe and the Mideast are warning diabetic Muslims against fasting or skipping their medication during Ramadan.
The monthlong holiday begins on Aug. 11, during which Muslims by tradition are not to eat or drink during daytime hours. Taking medicine in public is also frowned upon.
Though Muslims suffering from illness are exempt from fasting obligations, health professionals in the U.K. say they notice Muslim diabetes patients often cut down on their medication and miss appointments for fear of breaking the fast, according to a BBC report. UK health officials have convened training sessions with British imams to educate against dangerous fasting.
The chief executive at Dubai Hospital, meanwhile, urges type-1 sufferers to avoid fasting altogether. Sugar levels could fluctuate dangerously during a fast, said Dr. Abdul Razzaq Al Madani in a GulfNews.com interview.
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