Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Ramadan health risk for people with diabetes

FASTING during Ramadan could be dangerous for people with health conditions such as diabetes, Diabetes UK has warned.

Those who fast during the holy month, due to start next Tuesday (7), will go over 17 hours a day without eating.


Eating big meals at Suhoor and Iftar, the meals before and after fasting, could see their blood glucose levels rise to dangerously high levels.

Krishna Sarda, engaging communities manager at Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes UK recognises and respects that this is a very important time for people and we are urging people with diabetes to take care of their health.

“Those who do choose to fast need to take particular care, as fasting for this length of time will increase the risk of their blood glucose levels rising or falling.”

Diabetes UK has worked in partnership with the Muslim Council of Britain to develop information on Ramadan and diabetes

“Some people also think that testing blood glucose levels will break your fast. It does not, and in fact it is important to test more frequently if you do fast,” Sarda said.

For more information on diabetes and fasting, call Diabe tes UK’s helpline on 0345 123 2399 or visit www. diabetes.org.uk/Ramadan.

More For You

Beyond roses and chocolates: Unique Valentine’s traditions around the world

Love takes many forms—celebrate Valentine's Day with unique traditions from around the world

Pinterest

Beyond roses and chocolates: Unique Valentine’s traditions around the world

Valentine’s Day. You picture red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and candlelit dinners, right? But love isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Around the world, different cultures celebrate romance in ways that are surprising, playful, and sometimes downright bizarre. From pigs and love spoons to anonymous poetry battles, these unusual traditions prove that love has no borders—just some very unique rituals.

1. Wales: Love spoons over love letters

In Wales, forget cheesy Hallmark cards—hand-carved wooden spoons called *llwy garu* are the ultimate love token. Dating back to the 17th century, men would intricately carve spoons for their beloved, decorating them with symbols like hearts (love), keys (“you hold the key to my heart”), and knots (eternal unity). The more detailed the design, the deeper the affection. A spoon might not sparkle like a diamond, but hey, nothing says commitment like hours of whittling.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

AN ASIAN doctor said she wants children to feel excited and empowered about their bodies when they read her new book.

Published last month, Dr Punam Krishan’s You & Your Body helps children and families understand the human body and make positive choices about well-being, the author said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Obesity drug
Boxes of Wegovy are seen at a pharmacy in London. (Photo: Reuters)

GPhC tightens rules for online obesity drug prescriptions

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which oversees UK pharmacies, has introduced stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing obesity drugs. The regulator said the changes aim to prevent individuals from receiving medicines that could pose health risks.

The new guidance, updated for the first time in three years, follows concerns about how some online pharmacies dispense weight-loss drugs.

Keep ReadingShow less
12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Building habits gradually can lead to sustainable, long-term change

12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Anjali Mehta

WHETHER it’s eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or any number of goals, millions of people around the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

Yet, by February, most of these well-intentioned plans are abandoned. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – remember that it’s never too late to turn things around or set new goals.

Keep ReadingShow less