This article is for general awareness and is not medical advice or a substitute for assessment by a qualified doctor. In an emergency in the Kingdom, call 997 immediately.
Consult your doctor before Ramadan if you have
- Diabetes, especially if you use insulin or medicines that can cause low blood sugar.
- Kidney or heart disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Medicines that need precise timing or more than two doses a day.
- Recent surgery or an acute illness.
Your doctor may adjust the timing or dose of your medicines to suit iftar and suhoor, and will decide whether fasting is suitable for your condition. Do not change your medicines on your own.
Signs that you should break your fast and seek help
- Symptoms of low blood sugar: sweating, shaking, dizziness, confusion.
- Severe thirst with dizziness, or passing very little urine.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath: in this case, call 997 immediately.
General tips
- Do not delay iftar, do not skip suhoor, and have it as late as you can.
- Spread your water intake between iftar and suhoor.
- Cut down on salty, fried and sugary foods.
- Keep track of home readings such as blood sugar and blood pressure, and record them for your doctor.
Helpful tool: Do you need a medical consultation before fasting?
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