Might not be able to fast

[paki_muslim]

Assalamoalikum,

I just found out from my Dr. that I might not be able to fast this Ramadan due to me getting diabetes. I'm extremely saddened by this news and what's upsetting me even more is that I will probably never be able to fast. I'm in my mid-twenties and it seem to have been already over for me.

Now, I know that the alternative to fasting is to feed the poor - which is what my parents do ever since they got diabeties and I will do too, but it's just overwhelming for me. The feeling that I won't be able to fast anymore.

Does anyone know what to do in this situation? How to overcome this feeling? And if I maintain my blood-sugar level, will I ever be able to fast?

[greenhill]

You'll need a Doctor to answer that. Layman speaking, I guess if your blood sugar level is maintain, why not?

[paki_muslim]

Yes, I'm seeing him again next week so I will ask him then. I was just in an utter shock at the time I found out so couldn't ask much. Plus, I went to the ER for a completely different reason.

[sister herb]

Salam alaykum

I think that islam doesn´t need to be any risk to your life. If doc says you can´t fast, then you don´t.

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[Muhaba]

yes, if doctor says it's too risky to fast, then you can't fast. diabetes of young people is very dangerous and you need to take all precautions not to endanger your health. Speak to your doctor about insulin patch if there's such a thing and ask a scholar about it too, whether you can use it and fast.

[Iceee]

Does anyone know what to do in this situation? How to overcome this feeling? And if I maintain my blood-sugar level, will I ever be able to fast?

I would consult an Imam/Mufti or a scholar about this issue.

What you have mentioned works as well, feed the poor and needy people if you start missing days of Ramadan. If it endangers your health, then you should not fast because... "Do not kill yourself. Allah is Merciful unto you." (Surat al-Nisaa' 4:29)
This "feeling" will be overcome when you realize that the money or food you offer to the poor really is helping them and you will be asked about this on the Day of Judgement. Inshallah Allah will make it easy for you in the future to fast. This feeling could also be overcome when you start praying 5 times a day, reading Quran, abstaining from Haram actions, and also going to the mosque.
(Some people fast, but don't do the following mentioned or they continuously do haram actions again and again, even during Ramadan.)

May Allah make it easy for you.

[جوري]

What type of diabetes do you have type I or II? you can work with a dietician assigned by your doctor to fast.

[paki_muslim]

What type of diabetes do you have type I or II? you can work with a dietician assigned by your doctor to fast.

I don't know yet. I went to see a Dr. this morning, he took my blood test and said that my blood sugar level was awfully high. He said I *might* have diabetes because I have all the symptoms for Type 2.

I will be seeing a specialist next week and figure things out from there.

I know it's premature, but I believe that the dr's diagnose is correct because I had a very difficult time fasting last year as well. I haven't been to a dr. in more than two years, so today when I found out it was a bit of a shock. I wasn't expecting to be affected so young.

[جوري]

let me ask this in another way :ia: we can determine which type you've, how old are you and are you overwight or skinny?

[paki_muslim]

I know about Type I & Type II diabetes. I'm 25 and slightly overweight - not obese.

[paki_muslim]

so mostly likely I have Type II

[جوري]

well if it is type II and he would need your HBA1C and fasting glucose for further investigation, then it wouldn't be very difficult to fast and in fact fasting might do you some good!

:w:

[paki_muslim]

^ I hope you are right inshallah because the thought of not being able to physically experience and acquire Allah's rahma is really making my heart sink. I feel like I've sinned so much that Allah ta'lah is taking this blessing away from me. The blessing of health, and spiritual fulfillment.

[جوري]

you need to work with a dietician your doctor should refer you to one. Sr. Zaria's field of expertise is endocrinology if I am not putting her on the spot she maybe able to shed some light on this so long as we've a final dx.

fi aman illah and be optimistic!

[~Zaria~]

Assalamoalikum,

I just found out from my Dr. that I might not be able to fast this Ramadan due to me getting diabetes. I'm extremely saddened by this news and what's upsetting me even more is that I will probably never be able to fast. I'm in my mid-twenties and it seem to have been already over for me.

Now, I know that the alternative to fasting is to feed the poor - which is what my parents do ever since they got diabeties and I will do too, but it's just overwhelming for me. The feeling that I won't be able to fast anymore.

Does anyone know what to do in this situation? How to overcome this feeling? And if I maintain my blood-sugar level, will I ever be able to fast?

:wasalam: brother,

From what you have mentioned so far, it is most likely that you have Type 2 diabetes - based on having a positive family history (your parents), weight (type 1 diabetics are slender in build) and your presentation (very often type 2 diabetes may be present for some time before being diagnosed, and can be an incidental finding, as in your case. Versus type 1 diabetic patients who usually present more acutely and are often very ill at the time of diagnosis).

However another possibility to consider at your age, is a type of diabetes called: MODY (Maturity onset diabetes of the young).
In such cases, there is always a first degree relative who also has diabetes (your mum/ dad), sugar levels usually are not very high and generally (not always) patients are not over-weight.
Its a very rare condition and is diagnosed by means of genetic testing.
Management does differ slightly between type 2 diabetics and patients with MODY.
Perhaps you can mention this to your doctor at your next visit.
(If he feels that your weight is the driving factor for your diabetes, he may be more inclined towards a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.)


With regards to fasting:

It is very possible to fast as a diabetic, depending on:
1. What meds you are on.
If you are on Glucophage/ Metformin only, then you can fast as normal on these agents, without the risk of having low sugars during the day.
If you are on any other meds as well, then in shaa Allah we can advise you further with regards to how to adjust the doses/ times of consuming them during Ramadaan.

(2. Overall diabetic control - patients with very poor control are generally advised not to fast.
3. Any complications that may arise from diabetes - e.g. heart/ kidney problems.
4. Having frequent low sugars when on diabetic treatment)

^Its too early to worry about the last 3 points, but it may be the reasons why your parents have been advised not to fast in Ramadaan.


So, brother do not worry - it is still possible to fast as a diabetic in shaa Allah.
And as sister جوري has mentioned, it may actually be beneficial for you (as a means of weight reduction in shaa Allah).

So, be positive and in shaa Allah, let this diagnosis be the means for you to reflect on your lifestyle/ diet/ exercise, and ways in which you can improve in these areas.
Therefore it would be essential to consult a dietician to advise you further on foods that are suitable for a diabetic, and in particular, 'Low Glycemic Index' foods (that release sugars slowly) for Ramadaan (and other months).

Dont forget akhi, that this is a test from Allah (subhanawataála). He does not desire our hardship/ suffering, but He desires that we turn to Him in duaa and remembrance.
May this trial be the means of opening many doors towards Allah Taa'las pleasure and nearness.
Ameen.


Please let us know if we can assist you in any other way in shaa Allah.


:wasalam:

[glo]

Could having to take meds be an issue during Ramadan? I am thinking if meds need to be taken at certain times during the day, for example.

[~Zaria~]

Could having to take meds be an issue during Ramadan? I am thinking if meds need to be taken at certain times during the day, for example.

Hi Glo,

Depending on the condition, it may be possible to take the meds at the time of sehri (opening of the fast) and then again at iftaar (breaking of fast).

However, if the meds need to be taken strictly 3 times a day (e.g. some antibiotics), then it may not be possible to fast in these cases.

[Hamza Asadullah]

Assalamoalikum,

I just found out from my Dr. that I might not be able to fast this Ramadan due to me getting diabetes. I'm extremely saddened by this news and what's upsetting me even more is that I will probably never be able to fast. I'm in my mid-twenties and it seem to have been already over for me.

Now, I know that the alternative to fasting is to feed the poor - which is what my parents do ever since they got diabeties and I will do too, but it's just overwhelming for me. The feeling that I won't be able to fast anymore.

Does anyone know what to do in this situation? How to overcome this feeling? And if I maintain my blood-sugar level, will I ever be able to fast?

:sl:

I recommend you go and see a Muslim GP or specialist like an Endocrinologist as they will be able to give you the best course of action personalised to your health.