ISLAMABAD: Diabetic patients should consult the doctors before observing fast in the month of Ramazan, as repeated disturbances in diabetes control can result in permanent complications.

Endocrinologist Dr Usama Ishtiaq was speaking to a seminar titled “Roza aur Sehat” held to educate the diabetic patients, who intend to observe a fast, at a local hospital on Tuesday.

He said “Diabetic patients have the risk of low blood sugars, very high blood sugars, dehydration and sometimes acidosis (presence of increased acids in the blood). But not all patients have similar risks. Therefore, we recommend that all diabetic patients should consult their treating doctors and discuss their risks.”

He said around 40 to 50 million Muslims with diabetes fast during Ramazan around the world. It is difficult to keep diet and blood glucose levels under control while fasting.

He said that frequent disturbance in diabetes may harm one’s health permanently. So patients should adjust insulin during Ramazan to be able to observe a fast.

Dr Zainab Ghayyor advised patients to improve and maintain nutritional status during Ramazan fasting.

“Drug doses should be adjusted according to diet. Patients should not over eat at the time of Sehar and Iftar. We have to change our lifestyle to live a better life with diabetes,” she suggested.

Religious Scholar Azmatullah Qureshi said that there was no excuse for not observing a fast during minor diseases like flu or fever.

However, one who cannot observe a fast due to serious health conditions has to compensate by providing two meals for a needy person as fidya for one fast.

He said mothers can skip a fast during lactation. But they will have to observe fasting afterward or give fidya.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2014