(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - To remedy this problem, a new information booklet called The Facts About Fasting During Ramadan was launched by the U.K. South Asian Health Foundation and is availible in print and for free download on their website.
Dr Vinod Patel, of Nuneaton's George Eliot Hospital, spoke of a "very large problem" of managing diabetes medication during fasting.
Dr Patel said: "It can be a very large problem. In 17 hours of fasting with certain drugs that we use, for example, the dosages have to be changed, the timings have to be changed so that our patients who are observing Ramadan don't end up with problems such as low blood pressure and fainting."
On 18 July the George Elliot Hospital diabetes team, led by Dr Patel, held a clinic to raise awareness of the risks at the Nuneaton Muslim Women's Group.
Dr Patel warned: "The most important problem is hypoglycaemia, that's when the glucose levels drop too much and the patent has confusion, collapse or really extreme hunger with sweating and they need food immediately.
"It's rarely fatal but it would be very distressing for the patient. It's also dangerous if they're driving, for example.
"However, most people who want to fast can do safely as long as they're given timely advice."
Sources:
"Diabetes specialist issues Ramadan health warning" BBC News July 18, 2011
"Ramadan 2011 - Information kit for people with Type 2 Diabetes" SAHF
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