Medical Contraindications for Fasting during Ramadan
“Medical advice is sometimes ignored for religious reasons. Occasionally a devoted Muslim will say, ‘Allah will protect me’. He or she may not fear death or may even want to die so as to meet the Creator. Counsel the patient by saying ‘to see the doctor and comply with treatment is Prophet Mohammad’s sunnat (precedent)’. To refuse would be a sin.” JRSM (Journal of Royal Society of Medicine)
It is important to inform the Muslim patients that it is not a sin to skip the fast if they are found to have medical problems. Most of the doctors would advise the following patients to avoid fasting:
1) Acute Peptic Ulcer
2) Pulmonary Tuberculosis
3) Bronchial Asthma
4) Cancer
5) Diabetes –Type 1 and 2
who have poor glycemic control (HbA1c >12%), non compliant with diet or drug/oral regimes, four OR more episodes of hypoglycemia AND/OR hyperglycemia during preceding month, on 2 and MORE insulin injection/day.
6) Urinary Calculi
7) Cardiovascular disease
Psychiatry
9) Liver disorder, hepatic dysfunction where the liver enzyme is >> 2 x Upper Normal Limit.
10) Pregnancy
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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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