Doctor advises pre-Ramadan visit for safe fasting with chronic illness

Dr. Harem Star, an Endocrinologist, speaks for Channel8. (Photo: Dana Abdulkarim/Channel8)

People with chronic illnesses intending to fast during the holy month of Ramadan should pay a visit to their doctor three months before Ramadan each year to control their illnesses and ensure they can safely observe the fast, as recommended by a doctor. 

Speaking to Channel8, Endocrinologist Dr. Harem Star stressed the necessity for individuals with chronic illnesses to have their conditions well-controlled before fasting during Ramadan. 

He recommended visiting their doctor three months prior to Ramadan to address any health concerns and ensure a safe and healthy fasting experience

He emphasized the importance of not waiting until a few days before Ramadan to see a doctor, adding that “managing chronic diseases requires various tests, potential medication adjustments, and precautionary measures, all of which require time and do not yield immediate effects.”

Dr. Star said that determining whether a person can fast is not a straightforward decision; it involves considering all aspects of the individual’s health.

“We cannot generalize whether individuals with diabetes can or cannot fast; each case must be evaluated individually based on the person’s overall health condition. This principle applies to most other similar chronic diseases as well,” he explained.