Fasting in Ramadan is a personal and religious decision — but you must consult your doctor a month before Ramadan to adjust medications and assess risks.
Risk Classification:
- Very high risk (fasting not recommended): Severe hypoglycemia in last 3 months, uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 10%), ketoacidosis, pregnancy with diabetes.
- High risk: Type 1 diabetes, intensive insulin patients, advanced kidney disease.
- Medium/Low risk: Controlled Type 2 on pills — can fast under medical supervision.
Medication Adjustments in Ramadan:
- Metformin: Two-thirds of dose at Iftar, one-third at Suhoor.
- Sulfonylurea (Amaryl): Full dose at Iftar. Delete or reduce Suhoor dose.
- Insulin: Needs major adjustment — definitely consult your doctor.
When to Break Fast Immediately:
- Sugar below 70 — break fast immediately.
- Sugar above 300 — break fast and drink water.
- Hypoglycemia symptoms: trembling, sweating, dizziness.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we organize a pre-Ramadan clinic to adjust diabetes medications and educate patients.