Fasting during Ramadan is undertaken to promote chastity and humility and as an act of submission to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Fast to be healthy.”
For people with diabetes, fasting Ramadan might be a bit challenging. That’s why MyWay Digital Health, a University of Dundee company, is trying to help.
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A few days before Ramadan, the company has launched ‘Diabetes and Ramadan’ initiative in response to the increased risk of serious health complications, STV News reported.
“The holy month of Ramadan is extremely important to Muslims around the world,” Dr Salman Waqar, president of the British Islamic Medical Association, said.
“It is a month of much benefit but for some people, such as those with diabetes, there are obstacles to navigate.”
Educating Patients & Doctors
MyWay ran a pilot of the project prior to Ramadan in 2022, with both patients and healthcare professionals reporting benefits.
The company grew out of the My Diabetes My Way (MDMW) app developed by Dr Scott Cunningham and Dr. Debbie Wake at the University of Dundee to enable diabetes patients to manage their condition.
“It is not only patients who may not know how to best adapt. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals may not understand all the issues around Ramadan, especially in a country like the UK where Muslims form a minority, and professionals may not have been taught this in their training,” Dr. Waqar said.
“Put all together, this can lead to inequalities in how Muslims with diabetes experience healthcare.”
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Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint, and good deeds.