Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Bangladesh (ACEDB) said people with diabetes can observe fasting during Ramadan safely if they follow medical guidelines and take proper prior preparation.
The guidance was shared at a press conference organised by the ACEDB experts, on Tuesday, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
The press conference was held at ACEDB’s office at Motaleb Tower in Paribagh and was presided over by Professor Dr Md Farid Uddin, president of ACEDB and founding chairman of the Department of Endocrinology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
Diabetic patients should consult a physician at least two to three months before Ramadan to adjust lifestyle habits and treatment plans accordingly, experts added.
Speakers said blood glucose testing can be performed while fasting, and insulin injections may be taken if necessary. According to Islamic scholars, these actions do not invalidate fasting.
Therefore, diabetic patients can observe fasting by following appropriate medical advice. In case of doubt, patients were advised to consult experienced physicians with religious knowledge or qualified Islamic scholars.
They noted that fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for all adult Muslims. Research shows nearly 80 percent of people with diabetes in Bangladesh fast during Ramadan. Globally, around 50 million people with diabetes observe fasting during the month.
However, experts warned that fasting without medical consultation may lead to complications, including hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), diabetic ketoacidosis and dehydration.
ACEDB emphasised that diabetes is not a barrier to fasting for those who are physically able, provided adequate preparation is undertaken.
Patients should consult physicians and begin preparatory measures at least two to three months before Ramadan, preferably during the month of Rajab.
Recent studies show that patients who prepare in advance experience significantly fewer complications, including hypoglycaemia, during Ramadan.
Advances in medical management have also made fasting safer and more feasible for people with diabetes. Further studies have shown that fasting offers multiple health benefits.
Experts said fasting promotes a disciplined lifestyle, which is essential for diabetes management. Patients who consult doctors in advance and maintain good blood glucose control during fasting can derive additional benefits.
They noted that the intention to fast often motivates patients to take greater responsibility for managing their condition.
They also said the Department of Endocrinology at BSMMU has long been conducting nationwide awareness programmes to promote safe fasting among people with diabetes.
Ahead of Ramadan, endocrinologists from the institution regularly hold awareness activities across the country.
To further highlight the issue, the Clinical Endocrinologist and Diabetologist Association of Bangladesh declared the month of Rajab as “Diabetes and Ramadan Awareness Month” in October 2023.
Others present at the press conference included Professor Dr Indrajit Prasad, head of the Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and general secretary of ACEDB; Professor Dr Mir Mosharraf Hossain, head of the Department at Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College; Associate Professor Dr Moinul Islam of Dhaka Medical College; Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Atikur Rahman of the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital; Resident Physician Dr Md Ashikur Rahman of Dhaka Medical College; and Dr Md Mahmud Hasan, consultant endocrinologist at Dhaka Medical College.
