Pharmaceutical manufacturers MSD have partnered with charities Silver Star and the South Asian Health Foundation to launch the educational campaign in the run up to the religious festival, which begins on 20th July.
People with diabetes need to take care during the festival as fasting can affect blood sugar levels, as food is not consumed throughout the day. Long gaps between food intake along with certain diabetes medications (such as insulin or sulphonylureas) are well-known risk factors for hypoglycaemia.
Many people of Asian descent have an increased risk of suffering from some form of diabetes. A high proportion of South Asian people are Muslim. According to healthcare professionals, most people with type-2 diabetes are exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
The campaign aims to increase knowledge of the burden of hypoglycaemia among people with type 2 diabetes who wish to observe Ramadan. In addition, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the different management options available to people with type 2 diabetes, who wish to fast during Ramadan.
Through a series of regional educational events held at mosques and hosted by healthcare professionals (see below for dates and locations), the ‘Staying Healthy During Ramadan’ campaign aims to encourage people with type 2 diabetes to consult their healthcare professional before making a decision to fast.
Dr Wasim Hanif, South Asian Health Foundation, said: “For people with diabetes, deciding to fast during Ramadan is a personal decision. People with diabetes should consult their healthcare professional at least one to two months before Ramadan begins, so that a medical assessment can be undertaken and any alterations to medication or lifestyle can be made.”
Educational events are due to be held at the following locations:
Jame’ah Mosque, Leicester – Friday, 22nd June, 1pm – 2.30pm
Lozells Central Mosque, Birmingham – Friday, 29th June, 1pm – 2.30pm
ICEA Mosque, Bradford – Friday, 6th July, 1pm – 2.30pm
Tower Hamlets, East London – Friday, 13th July, 1pm – 2.30pm
To attend one of the education events, or to speak to a healthcare professional spokesperson about the campaign, contact Kate Aldous or Lottie Tupholme at Red Door Communications via email (kaldous@rdcomms.com or ltupholme@rdcomms.com) or telephone (020 8392 8040).