NETHERLANDS: Diabetic Muslims risk health during Ramadan, say doctors

. AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Express India - AFP), September 2, 2008: Diabetic Muslims in the Netherlands are putting their health at risk by ignoring medical advice to take part in Ramadan. The month-long Islamic religious festival, when observant Muslims fast during daylight hours, is just starting around the world. But Ramadan can cause serious health problems to those suffering from diabetes -- a condition where the body releases too much sugar into the blood. One hospital in Slotervaart, Amsterdam has set up a special unit to deal with the surge in patient numbers during Ramadan. Slotervaart is a suburb of Amsterdam with a large number of Muslim inhabitants. "We have 1,400 patients. Half are immigrants, of which 60 per cent are Moroccan and the rest are from Turkey and Surinam", said Eelco Meesters, head doctor of the diabetes unit at Slotervaart hospital. There is a sharp increase in the number of patients in the week leading up to the start of Ramadan, she explained. "They come to change their course of medication or to ask for advice," added Fatima Malki, a nurse at the hospital. Each patient receives a specific course of medication, provided that they are fit enough to participate in the Ramadan, usually doses of insulin to be taken throughout the day. Patients are called into the clinic a few days after the start of Ramadan to evaluate the dosage. "We advise them to take light exercise or to have a walk after eating," said Malki. © 2008 Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd.