DOHA: With Ramadan approaching, Hamad General Hospital (HGH) has launched a walk-in clinic for diabetics to help better prepare them for fasting.
The decision to fast carries risks and complications for diabetics, especially because they experience a change in meal patterns and physical activity.
To assist patients with managing this change and avoid complications while fasting, the temporary clinic will offer diabetes consultation prior to the commencement of Ramadan.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs as a result of increased levels of glucose in the blood (blood sugar).
The condition is broadly categorised into two types: Type 1 in which the body does not produce any insulin, a hormone required to break sugar into energy needed for daily life, and Type 2 in which the body fails to respond to insulin.
Another common type is known as gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.
For diabetics who choose to fast, several issues require consideration, including monitoring of blood sugar, nutrition, exercise and fasting during pregnancy.
It is recommended that patients consult a healthcare team prior to fasting.
The clinic will encourage patients to take precautions when deciding to fast and help in the prevention of diabetes-related complications and emergency visits to hospital.
The clinic, the first such offering by Hamad Medical Corporation, will be at National Diabetes Centre at HGH, on the second floor of the Outpatient Department.
The clinic opens today and will be available from 5.30pm to 9pm.
This will be followed by two clinics on June 1, 2 and 6, three from June 7 to 9 and four parallel clinics from June 14 to 17 at the same time. More may be offered depending on the number of patients.
Prof. Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine, HGH, said: “We are pleased to initiate the clinic for our patients with diabetes. This is part of our efforts to support our patients in managing their conditions and avoid complications.”
Manal Musallam, Director, Diabetes Education, HGH, said, “Patients will receive instructions about how and when to monitor blood sugar and normal blood sugar target, when they would need to break fast. They will be given special instructions about physical activity and how to manage Taraweeh prayer (extra prayers in Ramadan).”
The Peninsula
