The role of a healthy-eating educational module during Ramadan in a community health centre

Many Muslims fast during Ramadan. The fasting period typically lasts 12–13 hours a day for 29–30 days. In general, there are two major meal times – before dawn and at dusk – often resulting in increased sugary drink and carbohydrate intake (Benaji et al, 2006). The EPIDIAR (Epidemiology of Diabetes and Ramadan) study reported that 43% of people with type 1 and 79% people with type 2 diabetes fast during Ramadan in Muslim countries, increasing their risk of severe hypo- or hyperglycaemia (Salti et al, 2004). Research suggests there is often inadequate consultation with healthcare professionals regarding medication adjustment and dietary modifications during Ramadan (Hassanein et al, 2017; Lee et al, 2017a). The management of diabetes during this period may be different to usual care and there should be an emphasis on education to prevent complications while respecting the individual’s wishe