International Diabetes Federation-Diabetes and Ramadan Alliance (IDF-DAR) Fasting Risk Assessment
Stratifies fasting risk during Ramadan in diabetic patients.
Advice
| Risk Category | Medical Designation |
| Low risk | Fasting is probably safe. |
| Moderate risk | Fasting safety is uncertain. |
| High risk | Fasting is probably unsafe. |
Management
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Fasting is a personal decision.
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Provide education on recognizing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia symptoms.
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Regardless of a patient’s risk group, patients should be counseled to break their fast if they experience hypoglycemia episodes.
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Encourage close monitoring of glucose levels during fasting hours. Emphasize that glucose testing during Ramadan does not break the fast.
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Adjustment of the patient’s diabetes treatment plan may be required to avoid adverse events during fasting.
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Allow flexibility in glycemic targets during Ramadan.
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Consider a medical nutrition consultation.
- For additional guidance, see the ADA/EASD consensus recommendations for management of diabetes during Ramadan here or the Diabetes and Ramadan practical guidelines here.