Warning to diabetics planning to fast during Ramadan
Cllr Steve Bedser
The Silver Star ‘Stay Healthy During Ramadan’ roadshow will visit the Central Jamia Masjid in Lozells Birmingham on Friday (June 7) to raise awareness of the risks for diabetics wishing to observe Ramadan.
The campaign will raise awareness for worshippers of the different management options available to people with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
The campaign was launched earlier this week on Wednesday with an event held in the House of Commons. Speeches were given by Cllr Steve Bedser, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Birmingham City Council and Dr Jonathan Valabhji, the newly appointed National Clinical Director for Obesity and Diabetes.
During his speech Dr Valabhji praised the campaign and said he fully supported the objectives.
Diabetic Muslims who fast are at additional risk of both hypoglycaemia due to low blood sugar during fasting periods and hyperglycaemia due to high blood sugar when breaking the fast with iftar, the large evening meal that follows fasting. The complications from these conditions can be severe, ranging from amputations, diabetic comas and diabetic retinopathy.
The roadshow will visit mosques in 7 cities across the UK including Bradford, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leicester, London, Manchester and Rotherham to target Britain's nearly three million Muslim population. The charity's Mobile Diabetes Units and dedicated nurses will be on hand to offer free diabetes testing and advice.
Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, Founder Patron of Silver Star said: “I am delighted that Silver Star will today launch their campaign in Birmingham to raise awareness of the different management options available for diabetic patients wishing to observe Ramadan.
“The 'Stay Healthy During Ramadan' campaign will visit Mosques and community centres across the country to highlight the dangers of poorly controlled diabetes. Our message to diabetic Muslims is clear; please consult your GP before you begin fasting.”
Councillor Bedser said: “This initiative will be warmly welcomed in Birmingham. It is so important that diabetics wishing to observe Ramadan consider the implications on their health before undertaking the decision.
“I want to pay tribute to the calibre, enthusiasm and foresight of organisations such as Silver Star who continue to raise awareness of the dangers associated with poor management of the condition.”
Dr Jonathan Valabhji, National Clinical Director for Obesity and Diabetes said: “Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges we face today in the UK. The majority of the 2.6 million people diagnosed live with type 2 diabetes and people of South Asian descent are six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared with the overall UK population.
“I applaud Silver Star's efforts to provide practical support and information to those people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who may be planning to fast this summer.”
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For further information please contact Daniel on 07973 734 742
