Researchers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham are appealing for members of the local Muslim community to take part in a study on the effects different medications have on people with Type 2 diabetes fasting for Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset which, with the holy month falling in May and June this year, could mean up to 14 and a half hours without eating or drinking.

Going without food and drink for such long periods poses an increased risk for those with diabetes, with the potential for blood sugars dropping to dangerously low levels.

Although Islam exempts sick people from the duty of fasting, many Muslims with diabetes do not consider themselves to be sick and are keen to fast. 

There have, however, been significant advances in glucose lowering therapies during the past 10 years, with the potential for supporting safer fasting.

The 'Can Do Ramadan' study aims to compare the use of one of these new drugs, Canagliflozin, against current standard dual therapy approach using sulphonylurea-based drugs alongside metformin.

The team from Birmingham, led by Professor Wasim Hanif, is working with colleagues from the University of Leicester, and want to hear from Muslims with Type 2 diabetes who intend to observe Ramadan and would be willing to be part of the study.

“Can Do Ramadan is an important study in patients who are fasting for Ramadan with diabetes,” said Professor Hanif.

“It tries to answer the question as to the suitability and safety of medicines used when patients are fasting.

“University Hospitals Birmingham is a recognised global leader in research on patient fasting during Ramadan.

“This has only been possible with the support of our patients and the larger community. We hope to get the same support and participation of our patients and the community in this study.”

Anyone with tablet-controlled Type 2 diabetes who is over the age of 25 may be eligible to take part in the study, which will involve two to three visits to QEHB before Ramadan and two more afterwards.

For more information, contact Debbie Smith or Gurvinder Gill by calling 0121 371 4707.