Introduction
Some people wonder: Can you fast in Ramadan if you have diabetes? Since this chronic condition affects certain acts of worship due to the need for specific dietary intake and hydration intervals, neglecting medical advice can lead to serious complications. In this article, we provide answers to common questions regarding diabetic patients and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Is it Permissible for a Diabetic Patient to Test Blood Sugar While Fasting?
Before answering the question: can you fast in Ramadan if you have diabetes?, we would like to clarify that measuring blood sugar does not break the fast if the doctor has permitted fasting. It is actually preferable to check sugar levels immediately if the patient feels symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), as this condition requires immediate treatment and cannot be ignored. The optimal time for measuring sugar is after 8 to 12 hours of fasting, and it is not a condition to measure it immediately upon waking up.
Can You Fast in Ramadan If You Have Diabetes?
Yes, fasting is possible in certain cases where the disease can be controlled by following the doctor’s instructions and adhering to a suitable healthy diet. However, in other cases, patients cannot fast, and the doctor will request them to break their fast to prevent their condition from deteriorating.
A diabetic patient is permitted to break the fast as long as fasting causes hardship. Allah SWT says in His Holy Book:
فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ {185}
Faman shahida minkumu alshshahra falyasumhu waman kana mareedan aw AAala safarin faAAiddatun min ayyamin okhara yureedu Allahu bikumu alyusra wala yureedu bikumu alAAusra {185}
So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship. {185}
This confirms that anyone who is traveling or ill is permitted to break the fast during Ramadan, which is evidence of Allah’s mercy towards His servants.
Must a Diabetic Patient Make Up the Fast (Qada) or Pay Fidyah?
If the doctor informs the patient not to fast because their health condition requires it, and at the same time, they have a chronic condition that prevents them from making up those days in the future, then they may break the fast and feed one poor person (Fidyah) for every day of the holy month. This is a concession granted by Allah.
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Signs Indicating Fasting is Dangerous for a Diabetic Patient
Having addressed: can you fast in Ramadan if you have diabetes?, we must mention the signs indicating that fasting poses a risk to a diabetic patient, including:
- Dizziness or profuse sweating.
- Inability to focus and mental confusion.
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
- An intense desire to eat due to extreme hunger (Hypoglycemia).
- A feeling of general weakness and inability to exert effort.
It is worth noting that these situations require immediate medical attention to prevent the patient from suffering severe complications.
Is it Permissible for a Diabetic to Delay Fasting Until After Ramadan?
If your health condition requires you not to fast during Ramadan based on doctor’s orders, you can fast later if your condition improves after Ramadan and you are capable of making up (Qada) the days you missed. If fasting is delayed without a valid excuse, the days must be made up along with paying a Fidyah. However, if the delay is due to a valid excuse, only making up the days is required without paying Fidyah.
Do Insulin Injections Break the Fast in Ramadan?
Insulin injections are not considered food or drink; therefore, they do not invalidate the fast. However, if the patient’s condition necessitates not fasting, they must break the fast. Allah SWT says:
وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ {184}
WaAAala allatheena yuteeqoonahu fidyatun taAAamu miskeenin {184}
And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. {184}
Ibn Abbas, May Allah be pleased with them, stated that this concession was revealed for the elderly man and woman who are unable to fast, they should feed a poor person in place of every day.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Regarding Fasting Effects
The following table outlines the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients regarding the impact, risks, and benefits of fasting:
| Feature | Type 1 Diabetics | Type 2 Diabetics |
| Insulin Production | None (absent) | Partially present (or insulin resistance) |
| Effect of Fasting | High risk of hypoglycemia; may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce dosage requirements. | Helps reduce weight and improve insulin sensitivity, glucose levels, and HbA1c. |
| Fasting Risks | High; requires close medical supervision. | Relatively low, provided lifestyle and medication are adjusted. |
| Benefits | Can reduce sugar fluctuations if doses are taken regularly and controlled. | Helps with weight loss and metabolic improvement with the ability to control sugar levels. |
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FAQs
Can diabetic patients do fasting?
This is determined according to the doctor’s guidelines. There are those who can fast without their health being affected, provided they exercise and eat regular meals. Others find fasting difficult, in which case the doctor will ask them not to fast, utilizing the concession granted by Allah.
Is it haram for a diabetic to fast?
Fasting is not forbidden as long as the patient’s condition allows for it without harming their health. This is determined by the specialist doctor, and the patient must adhere to all instructions. However, not all diabetic cases are the same.
Who cannot fast during Ramadan?
Those who cannot fast include patients whose health condition requires them not to fast; they are then required to pay an expiation (Kaffarah/Fidyah) by feeding one poor person for each day of the holy month of Ramadan. The elderly who are unable to fast also pay this expiation.
Conclusion
The question: can you fast in Ramadan if you have diabetes? is frequently asked. The answer depends on the diabetic patient’s condition following follow-ups with the doctor and applying their instructions to avoid any complications, especially given the existence of a divine concession to break the fast for those whose health requires it. However, those who are able to fast without harming their health are obliged to do so. Contact Rattil Academy now and improve your recitation with qualified teachers.
