Over 50 million Diabetes Patients Worldwide Will Fast During Ramadan

Top UAE diabetes doctors warn patients to take appropriate precautions and consult medical professionals ahead of fasting; MSD launches information campaign for diabetes patients

“One in ten adults in the Middle East currently lives with diabetes”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 24 June 2014: Research shows that more than 50 million patients with diabetes worldwide fast during Ramadan despite guideline recommendations for the management of diabetes during the Holy Month. In the Middle East, the Holy Month of Ramadan is expected to start around 28 June and last until 27 July.

Diabetes experts in the region are warning against the potential risks patients will be taking, and are advising them to consult their physician on how best to manage their medical requirements during the Holy Month. As part of its focus on supporting the healthcare considerations of local communities, MSD Gulf will again launch ‘The Facts About Fasting During Ramadan’ information campaign to help diabetes patients to plan their dietary and medical calendars.

Dr. Abdulrazzaq Ali Al Madani, Consultant of Endocrinology & Diabetes and President of the Emirates Diabetes Society, said:

“Fasting and changes to eating patterns carry a high risk for people with type 1 diabetes , as well as patients who experience severe attacks of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), and pregnant women with diabetes.”

He added: “People with type 2 diabetes can fast during Ramadan with little risk, but it is important for the patient to consult his or her doctor before fasting, as it may be necessary to reschedule treatment, whether by tablet or injection, during the month of Ramadan, in order to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Drinking plenty of water during the non-fasting time is important for reducing the risk of dehydration and thrombosis, especially for the elderly.
“If left untreated, low blood sugar can lead to severe symptoms including loss of consciousness, convulsions or seizures. This is a time when medical professionals need to be very careful about the advice they give to diabetes patients.”

Dr. Al Madani spoke at the C3 2014 US-Arab Healthcare Summit, held in New York at the end of April this year. The summit focused on diabetes as a major healthcare concern. During the C3 U.S. Arab Healthcare Summit MSD discussed the latest issues on diabetes with leading Middle East doctors and endocrinologists. This important session was moderated by Kevin Ali, President of Emerging Markets at MSD and featured experts from local health institutions in the region discussing issues related to diabetes and highlighting MSD’s commitment to this major health threat in Arab countries.

An MSD-sponsored international survey found that 73% of physicians had identified cultural and religious factors, such as fasting, which impact the glucose control of diabetes patients.  In preparation for Ramadan, MSD’s campaign recommends that patients review their treatment plans with medical professionals and take measures to minimize the risks associated with fasting.

MSD’s campaign will provide information for patients and healthcare professionals to better manage diabetes during Ramadan. The patient information kit is intended to increase dialogue between patients and doctors. The pack includes a Blood Sugar Tracker to enable patients to record their blood sugar levels ahead of discussions with their physician, as well as a Ramadan calendar for managing daily food and medical intake.

Mazen Altaruti, Managing Director of MSD Gulf, said:

“As part of our commitment to the general health and wellbeing of the communities in which we work, MSD will be working hard to increase awareness of the potential risks that diabetes patients face during Ramadan. Our information kit provides practical advice for diabetes patients who make the personal decision to fast. In addition to the correct medication, a balanced diet is an important part of diabetes management. Our kit will include diabetes-friendly recipes to encourage healthier eating during Ramadan.”

Diabetes is increasingly regarded as a worldwide epidemic. In 2013 there were 382 million people diagnosed with diabetes, representative of approximately 8.35% of the world’s adult population. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85-95% of all cases. Over 35 million adults suffer from diabetes in the MENA region.  One in ten adults in the Middle East currently live with diabetes, and by 2030 that figure is expected to have risen to one in three. In the UAE there are 1,752 deaths connected with diabetes annually.