People with diabetes continue to benefit from Qatar Diabetes Association’s 15-year-old Ramadan programme, providing them with the needed information and advice on “how to fast safely during the holy month.”

The Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) launched the programme ahead of Ramadan, arranging at least three workshops for male and female patients, as well as for general practitioners (GPs), aimed at raising public awareness.

“We continue to educate diabetics on how to fast for one month,” QDA executive director Dr Abdulla Al Hamaq told Gulf Times.

He noted that one of the workshops also involved GPs in health centres and other private clinics in Qatar.

QDA held open discussions with consultants from the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and showed them the new practical guidelines for Ramadan, according to Dr Al Hamaq.

“The guidelines, published in English, are based on studies, and being implemented all over the Islamic countries, in Europe and also in the US,” he said.

Part of the guidelines includes categorising patients (who can fast or not) into three categories — high risk, middle risk and low risk.

QDA has also created hotlines (44547311, 55274919, and 55981331) where residents can call from 8am to 1pm and from 8pm to 11pm.

Around 30 doctors are ready to speak with callers this Ramadan.

Patients can ask questions concerning fasting, treatment and management of their conditions.

“Our office is open for diabetics in the morning as well as in the evening after the breaking of the fast. The gym is also open in the evening during Ramadan and they can do some exercise,” Al Hamaq said.

An average of 25 to 45 patients use a number of facilities at the QDA gym from 8pm until midnight this Ramadan.

“Our gym trainer has to check the blood sugar of the patients before they are allowed to exercise, if it’s less than 70, they’ll not be allowed until the sugar comes to normal,” Al Hamaq said.

Ramadan is also an opportunity for people with diabetes to reduce weight and totally stop smoking, he noted.

Citing the importance of fasting and exercise, Al Hamaq believes there is a big chance for smokers to avoid and stop their habit.

Al Hamaq urged people with diabetes to exercise regularly and stick to high-fibre and balanced diet to stay healthy.

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