Scientific Symposium at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon on Diabetes and Fasting During Ramadan
Under the patronage of the President of the University of Babylon, Professor Dr. Ameen Ajeel Al-Yasiri, and as part of the continuous education activities and sustainable development goals at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, the Department of Internal Medicine held an awareness symposium on “Diabetes and Fasting During the Holy Month of Ramadan.”
The symposium was attended by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Muhannad Abbas Al-Shallah, the Scientific Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Ali Hussein, the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Professor Dr. Hassan Salem Al-Jumaili, the Director of Continuous Education, Professor Dr. Ilham Abbas Banyan, along with a large number of department heads, faculty members, and staff.
The scientific session was chaired by Professor Dr. Hassan Salem Al-Jumaili, with Professor Dr. Ahmed Hussein Jasim as the rapporteur. The keynote speaker was Assistant Professor Dr. Nihad Abdullah Al-Jubouri, a specialist in diabetes and endocrinology.
During the lecture, Dr. Al-Jubouri discussed the major challenges faced by diabetic patients and healthcare providers in managing the disease during Ramadan fasting. He addressed the physiological changes that occur in the body during fasting and classified patients into three categories based on their ability to fast, according to the latest treatment protocols from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF):
1. Category One: Patients at very high risk, who are strictly prohibited from fasting.
2. Category Two: Patients at high risk, who are advised not to fast. However, if they insist on fasting, they must strictly follow medical guidelines to prevent hypoglycemia or health deterioration.
3. Category Three: Patients who are permitted to fast safely.
Key Recommendations:
• Raising awareness among diabetic patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and physicians about managing diabetes before Ramadan, ideally 2 to 4 weeks before the fasting month.
• Patients should consult their specialist doctor before Ramadan to determine their ability to fast, adjust medication schedules and doses, and receive proper fasting guidelines.
• Diabetic patients who fast must regularly monitor their blood sugar levels throughout the day and after breaking their fast, and they must immediately break their fast if their blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL or exceeds 300 mg/dL. Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia should be considered an indication to stop fasting.
• Modifying dietary habits during Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Adjusting exercise routines, ensuring that physical activity takes place after Iftar to avoid blood sugar fluctuations.
• Considering work conditions for diabetic patients by avoiding exposure to extreme heat and reducing working hours when necessary.
The symposium emphasized the importance of proper diabetes management during Ramadan to ensure patient safety and prevent complications.