Ramadan and health

During Ramadan, many Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Healthy adults can usually tolerate this, but fasting can pose serious risks with diabetes, pregnancy, kidney or heart disease, frailty or certain medicines. Discuss a personal, respectful plan beforehand.

• Thirst, a dry mouth, dark or little urine, dizziness and headache may indicate dehydration.
• Shaking, sweating, palpitations, hunger, confusion or drowsiness may indicate low blood sugar.
• Drink enough water spread between sunset and dawn if you do not have a medical fluid restriction; do not wait until just before the fast.
• At suhoor, eat fibre, slower-digesting carbohydrates, protein, vegetables or fruit, and limit very salty food.
• Make an appointment before Ramadan if you have diabetes, kidney, heart or liver disease, epilepsy, are pregnant or take several medicines.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.