Experts at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have advised parents to closely monitor children and adolescents who wish to fast during Ramadan to ensure that their health is not negatively impacted by the low intake of food and fluids.
Many Muslims are of the opinion that small children and adolescents should not fast during Ramadan. Islam exempts children, along with pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating women and ill people, from fasting, according to a statement from HMC.
“Islam has exempted children and adolescents from fasting because they are at high risk of developing low or high blood sugar, dehydration and ketoacidosis (high concentrations of ketone in the body). However, some experienced physicians are of the opinion that fasting during Ramadan is safe for older children and adolescents, including those with diabetes, provided they have good glycemic control, regularly self-monitor and are under close professional supervision,” said Dr Mohamed Janahi, chairman of the Paediatrics Department at HMC.
“Since the low intake of food and fluid is a risk factor for hypoglycemia among fasting diabetic patients, children and adolescents with the disease must be closely monitored for signs or symptoms of both low blood sugar and dehydration,” he said.
The statement stresses that the following must be ensured for safe fasting among diabetic adolescents: they must be provided with Ramadan-focused medical education, undergo a pre-Ramadan medical assessment, follow a healthy diet and physical activity plan, modify their insulin therapy and ensure frequent glucose monitoring, as advised by their physician.
“Parents should encourage children and adolescents to do some light exercise; however, they should not allow children to participate in excessive physical activities during fasting hours to protect them from dehydration or hypoglycemia,” cautioned Dr Janahi.
Nada Yaqoub, a dietitian at HMC, said although children below the age of puberty are exempted from fasting during Ramadan, they can fast for half a day during this period. She explained that the ability to fast all day varies from one individual to another, depending on their physical structure, health condition and prevailing climatic conditions.
