MUSLIMS who suffer from diabetes are being encouraged to seek medical advice before they begin fasting for Ramadan.

Waltham Forest has the fifth highest Muslim population in the UK and the third highest in London, with a total of 6,580 suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Dr Devasenan Devendra, who works at Central Middlesex Hospital and has spent three years studying the effects of fasting on diabetes sufferers, said: “During the month of Ramadan, people with diabetes need to discuss things with their healthcare professional.

“People who are on insulin should not really be encouraged to fast as it puts them at increased health risk.”

He added that it might be necessary for patients to change medication during Ramadan if they intend to fast, as risks include both high and low blood sugar and dehydration.

Dr Devendra said: “Healthcare professionals themselves need to be more proactive and start talking about these issues with their patients.”

He also said about 60 per cent of all Muslim patients with diabetes will not discuss fasting with their doctors at all, which can lead to serious health problems.

“Dehydration is a particular concern as it can end up causing conditions like thrombosis (blood clots).”

Ramadan, or the Muslim period of fasting, begins on August 21 and lasts for a month.

NHS Waltham Forest reiterated Dr Devendra's advice and will be issuing further guidance this week.