Ramadan and Diabetes

Arrange a pre-Ramadan review

Fasting risk is not the same for everyone with diabetes. The IDF-DAR framework assesses factors such as diabetes type, glucose control, medicines, complications, previous hypoglycaemia and the circumstances of the fast. Discuss your individual risk with your diabetes team before deciding to fast.

Monitoring and a break-fast plan

Agree in advance how often to check glucose, what readings or symptoms mean you should end the fast, and how medicines, meals and activity should be adjusted. Thresholds can depend on your treatment and individual plan, so this page does not replace the values given by your clinical team.

Do not change medicines yourself

Insulin and other glucose-lowering medicines may need a different dose or timing during Ramadan. Those changes can be unsafe if improvised.

Source: the International Diabetes Federation publishes the IDF-DAR fasting risk framework for people with diabetes: IDF-DAR Risk Calculator Update 2026.

Source: NHS guidance advises people who take regular medicines to speak to their healthcare team or pharmacist before Ramadan and not to change medicine timing or doses on their own: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS — Taking medicines during Ramadan.

Health note: general information only, not individual medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, older, take regular medicines, or live with diabetes, kidney disease, blood-pressure problems or another long-term condition, discuss fasting with a healthcare professional before Ramadan. Do not delay urgent care. For the religious ruling that applies to your circumstances, consult a qualified scholar you trust.

Diabetes risk is individual

Medication type, glucose control, kidney disease, pregnancy, history of severe hypoglycaemia and other complications can change whether fasting is medically advisable. A general webpage cannot safely classify an individual.

Plan before Ramadan

Discuss medication timing, glucose monitoring, hypo/hyperglycaemia thresholds and when to break the fast with the diabetes team. Glucose testing itself is commonly treated as not invalidating the fast, but users should follow their trusted religious guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can everyone with diabetes safely fast?

No. Risk varies substantially. Use a pre-Ramadan clinical assessment and follow the safety plan agreed with your diabetes team.