Ramadan and diabetes

[Copepod]

Muslims planning to fast during Ramadan, which starts this Friday evening, 26th May, have probably already made arrangements to ensure they can do so safely. There is advice on Diabetes UK website at https://www.diabetes.org.uk/ramadan

Everyone should know that Ramadan is from 26th May until Sat 24th June 2017.

To put a human face to the issue: I'm invilating at a university in a northern English city, and first week of Ramadan corresponds with last week of exams, so I sought out the university Muslim Student Advisor for a quick chat about requirements as they apply to exams, especially when sunset to sunrise time is very short, so sleep deprivation is also an issue. She said it's down to students to prepare themselves physically and practically. She also mentioned that her dad, who is in his 80s, has had type 2 diabetes for several years, and had fasted for over 65 years. A couple of years ago, as a result of kidney damage, he was advised by his doctor not to fast. His daughter and other family members had to encourage him not to fast, as it had been an important part of his life since his teens. We parted as she returned to dealing with the fallout of the Manchester bombing, as there is always a spike in anti Muslim hate crime after such disasters, and wished each other a peaceful Ramadan.

 

[mikeyB]

It's particularly hard for Muslims in this country when Ramadan appears at this time of year, because fasting between sunrise and sunset is so much longer, and harder. In the Southern Hemisphere it's much less taxing, as it is in the Middle East.

 

[Copepod]

The nearer to the Equator, whether north or south, the less the change in day length.

 

[trophywench]

@Copepod - your last sentence is very important. Ordinary people were afraid in Birmingham after the pub bombings all those year ago - and the ones with Irish accents were afraid to even speak in the street and in shops etc - as some low life was beating some them up for the same reason - none.

The media constantly urge moderates to speak out - what? - and advertise their faith on their sleeves and risk being a(nother) victim of hate crime?

What an abominable situation for them to be in, especially when it's Ramadan too. Dreadful - for every one of us.

 

[Copepod]

Thanks for your comments @trophywench Actually, the effects of the Birmingham pub bombings on the Irish (and Catholic) communities was on my mind. I was a child in early 1970s, and moved from Worcestershire to Birmingham about the time of the bombings. I remember friends, teachers etc in Worcs being a bit concerned about our move, but my parents were adamant not to avoid Birmingham city centre, although as we never went to city centre pubs, no change in behaviour was needed.
By the way, the Muslim student advisor also told me that some dental students had asked for adaptions to their 10 hour clinic placements in summer, when they coincided with Ramadan. The school did not agree, as students would have to cope with summer Ramadan when they qualified, so they should start getting used to the experience. It's all about reasonable adjustments, not agreeing to all religious demands.

 

[trophywench]

Hear hear ! I've always been brought up on the principal that we are all equal and - as adults - have to be prepared to come at least halfway to meet someone else, who - if they want to be accepted as an equal by me - also need to reciprocate.

AKA - in another scenario - negotiating skills!