KARACHI: Senior health experts at a conference held on Sunday shared their concern that the vast majority of the 24 to 26 million people living with diabetes in Pakistan did not seek medical advice for fasting safely, increasing their risk for avoidable complications.
They urged patients to undergo pre-Ramazan risk assessment, adjust medications under medical supervision, and monitor blood glucose levels regularly.
They were speaking at the 12th International Diabetes and Ramazan Conference, organised by the Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE).
“The issue is not fasting itself. The real problem is most people do not consult their doctors before Ramazan to assess their fitness for fasting and seek advice on the need for adjusting medicines and managing diet and hydration,” said Prof Javed Akram, the chief guest and the founder and former president of Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM).
According to him, Pakistan currently has around 34.5 million people living with Type 2 diabetes and approximately 300,000 people with Type 1 diabetes.
Citing local and international studies, he said that around 70 to 75 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes fast during Ramazan, translating into roughly 24 to 26 million individuals, while about 40pc of people with Type 1 diabetes, nearly 120,000 patients, attempt fasting for at least part of the month.
“Medical advice effectively becomes religious guidance when health is involved. Only about 10 to 15pc of patients are medically advised not to fast, and that decision must be taken by healthcare professionals. Allah Almighty does not want hardship for His people,” he emphasised.
Overeating in holy month
President PSIM Prof Aftab Mohsin said Ramazan should be a month of discipline and restraint rather than overindulgence.
“Islam teaches moderation. People should eat sensibly at Sehri and Iftar, manage sleep and focus on spiritual and physical wellbeing,” he said
Sharing similar concerns, senior cardiologist Prof Feroz Memon said that the holy month often turned into an eating-heavy routine.
“Fasting is beneficial for heart health only when it is accompanied by moderation and sensible food choices,” he said.
Director BIDE Prof Zahid Miyan said the institute had been organising the conference for the last 12 years to bridge the gap between religious intent and medical safety.
Dr Muhammad Saif-ul-Haque, chairman of the organising committee of the conference, said that across Pakistan and the wider Islamic world, between 70 and 85pc of people with diabetes opted for fasting, making structured education on safe fasting essential rather than optional.
He said hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) remained the most common complications during Ramazan. “But, they can be largely prevented through pre-Ramazan medical consultation, correct insulin dosing, and adequate fluid intake,” he said.
Dr Somia, senior vice president of PSIM, said digital health applications in local languages could help patients monitor glucose levels, receive medication reminders and follow safer dietary plans.
She encouraged patients to benefit from digital tools and emerging artificial intelligence-based solutions to minimise risk for complications.
Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2026