DOCTORS have urged the public to look after their health during Ramadan - particularly diabetics and those who use eye drops.

As Muslims across the district prepare to fast, GPs at Bradford District and Craven CCGs are encouraging those with diabetes to ensure they do it safely.

Ramadan begins over the bank holiday weekend. As the days are getting longer people will not eat or drink for up to 17 hours, which could pose a risk to the health of those who have diabetes and other long-term health conditions.

A campaign has also been launched amid fears that patients with glaucoma could put their eyesight at risk by not using eye drops.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) supports the campaign, confirming that all Islamic Schools Of Thought agree that using eye drops does not invalidate the fast unless the eye drops reach the throat, which is unlikely. They advise people to use an application technique which avoids this.

Most people with diabetes can fast without any issue as long as they ensure they follow a few key pieces of advice. GPs in Bradford are encouraging those with diabetes who wish to fast to:

  • ensure they are aware of the differences this will mean if they are taking insulin; those wishing to fast will need less insulin on a morning before the start of their fast
  • eat more slowly absorbed food such as basmati rice, dhal and fruit and vegetables before they begin their fast
  • try to eat just before sunrise, when they commence the next day’s fast
  • make sure to only have small quantities of food when breaking their fast and avoid eating sweet or fatty foods
  • check their blood glucose levels more often than they would when not fasting
  • ensure they drink plenty of sugar-free and decaffeinated fluids at the end of their fast to avoid becoming dehydrated

Dr Junaid Azam, a Bradford GP and clinical lead for diabetes at the CCGs, said: “As long as people with diabetes take care of themselves and know the warning signs if their health begins to suffer, most can fast without a problem during Ramadan.

“However, if you have diabetes and use insulin, or you have additional long-term health conditions, you should seek advice from your GP or practice nurse before you begin your fast.”

He added: “Islam forbids us from fasting if it will harm our body and this could include people with more severe diabetes. However, most people with diabetes should be able to fast successfully if they take care of themselves throughout Ramadan."

Following hospital and patient feedback indicating that some Muslims stop using their eye drops during Ramadan putting their vision at risk, a campaign has been launched by the International Glaucoma Association (IGA) to advise on how to put in eye drops without breaking the fast.

The IGA reports that some Muslim glaucoma patients stop using drops during Ramadan, as they believe that any liquid trickling down the back of their throat and therefore entering the body cavity, breaks their fast. Stopping drops even for a short period of time can cause permanent loss of vision.

It estimates there are at least 50,000 Muslims with glaucoma in the UK, while those with suspected glaucoma or ocular hypertension may number up to 140,000.

The MCB said that should Muslims remain concerned about using eye drops, they can put in their drops before dawn or after dusk.

Alternatively, the IGA has produced posters and flyers in English and in six languages most common among Muslims, (Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Somali, Gujurati and Arabic) to advise on how to use eye drops during Ramadan without breaking the fast, using a method known as punctal occlusion.

This is where patients close the tear duct by putting finger pressure at the corner of the eye next to the nose immediately after putting in drops. This means that fluid stays in the eye and does not drain into the throat and so cannot be tasted.

The materials will be distributed to mosques, pharmacies and hospitals and are also available to order from the IGA (www.glaucoma-association.com).