The holy month of Ramadan starts in just under three weeks with millions of Muslims engaging in a time of introspection, communal prayer and fasting. But for those living with diabetes, abstaining from eating, drinking and medication during the day can pose a health risk.
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00:00 Anwar Dean is cooking up a batch of aromatic potato samosas.
00:07 It's one dish eaten to break fast at sunset during Ramadan.
00:13 But Anwar has type 2 diabetes and when she moved to Australia from Pakistan 18 years
00:19 ago she was told by a doctor not to fast.
00:23 I am not happy and fasting I am happy.
00:26 She hopes this year will be different.
00:29 Showing that you do have patience and you can put yourself through that for the sake
00:35 of Allah.
00:36 That's what we believe.
00:37 It's one of the main pillars of our religion.
00:40 The 66 year old is attending a new Ramadan preparation clinic in the multicultural city
00:45 of Logan.
00:47 It's believed to be an Australian first.
00:50 It's so important that our hospital provides culturally appropriate care.
00:55 Doctors will see diabetes patients before Ramadan to assess if they can safely abstain.
01:01 Those who can will be monitored to ensure their blood glucose levels are stable.
01:06 High and low blood sugars cause complications and they add to the morbidity of what is already
01:15 a very complex and chronic disease.
01:18 A local imam is encouraging people with diabetes to seek and follow medical advice.
01:24 One of the greatest questions that imams are asked before the month of Ramadan and during
01:29 the month of Ramadan is am I able to fast?
01:32 Logan diabetes patients who want to fast during Ramadan can get a referral to the clinic.
01:38 For Muslims living in other parts of Australia their GP should be the first port of call.
01:43 Anwar Dean appreciates the support to help her practice her faith.
01:48 Very good.
01:49 No good, very good.
01:52 [BLANK_AUDIO]