Dutch Muslim diabetics risk health by fasting

Diabetic Muslims in the Netherlands are putting their health at risk by ignoring medical advice against taking part in Ramadan.

The month-long Islamic religious festival, when observant Muslims fast during daylight hours, is just starting around the world.

But Ramadan can cause serious health problems to those suffering from diabetes -- a condition where the body releases too much sugar into the blood.

One hospital in Slotervaart, a suburb of Amsterdam with a large number of Muslim inhabitants, says it always sees a surge in patient numbers during Ramadan at its specialist diabetes unit.

"We have 1,400 patients. Half are immigrants, of which 60 percent are Moroccan and the rest are from Turkey and Surinam", said the unit's head Eelco Meesters.

There is a sharp increase in the number of patients in the week leading up to the start of Ramadan, he explained.

"They come to change their course of medication or to ask for advice," added Fatima Malki, a nurse at the hospital.

Each patient receives a specific course of medication, provided that they are fit enough to participate in the Ramadan, usually doses of insulin to be taken throughout the day.

"We advise them to take light exercise or to have a walk after eating," said Malki.

However the majority of patients are advised against fasting during Ramadan.

"Often they decide to fast anyway," said Malki. "We have to tell them it's not a good idea. We explain to them that there are verses of the Koran which allow very sick people to be excused from fasting."

The nurse, herself of Moroccan origin, has organized meetings with mosque imams to tell worshippers that the Koran allows for exceptions.

In less than 10 years, the service has made a name for itself. "At Ramadan, there are not only more patients, but there are also more phone calls from colleagues asking us for advice," said Malki.