WHO Tunisia Urges Type‑2 Diabetics to Seek Medical Clearance Before Fasting
The World Health Organization (WHO) office in Tunisia has called on people with type‑2 diabetes who wish to observe the fast to consult a physician beforehand. This precaution aims to adjust treatment plans and minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia during the fasting period.
In an awareness post shared on its official page, WHO Tunisia highlights the central role of the doctor in evaluating the patient’s health status. The clinician must:
- Determine the appropriate insulin dose.
- Decide the optimal timing of insulin administration.
- Choose the medication type that best fits each individual case.
Safety measures to observe while fasting
The organization also stresses strict safety protocols during the fast:
| Blood‑glucose threshold | Action required |
|---|---|
| ≤ 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) | Stop fasting immediately |
| ≥ 300 mg/dL (16.6 mmol/L) | Stop fasting immediately |
| Signs of dehydration or acute malaise | Break the fast |
Ongoing monitoring throughout Ramadan
WHO recommends regular glucose monitoring throughout the month of Ramadan. If a low reading is obtained, the measurement should be repeated one hour later to track the trend and avoid complications.
“A strict medical follow‑up is indispensable for diabetic patients who choose to fast,” the WHO statement reads.
Read also: Diabetes and fasting – strict medical monitoring is essential
