The Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University organized a scientific conference entitled "Safe Fasting for Diabetes Patients," aiming to raise community awareness on how diabetes patients can manage their condition during the month of Ramadan for a safe fasting experience.
The event was attended by the Vice President of the Egyptian Diabetes Association, former Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation, and former Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Alexandria University Professor Morsi Arab; President of the Lebanese Diabetes Association and former Regional Chair of the International Diabetes Federation Dr. Mohammad Sandid; President of the University Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam; Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Wafaa El Sehly; Assistant Dean Professor Mohammad Houri, along with faculty deans, staff members of the Faculty of Medicine, and a large gathering of doctors and students.
The conference began with a welcoming speech by student Walid El Makkawi, followed by a speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Wafaa El Sehly: "Our mission today is to present the balanced health correlation between healthy individuals and diabetes patients regarding Ramadan fasting for adults, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Diabetes is not just a medical condition; it is a daily challenge patients face within themselves and with those around them. As Ramadan approaches, patients feel anxious: how can they balance their religious duty with their health necessities?"
Professor El Sehly continued: "From a medical perspective, fasting may carry health benefits if practiced in a calculated manner, but it may pose a risk to some diabetes patients, especially those suffering from complications or those requiring regular doses of insulin. Therefore, it is our duty as physicians and researchers to provide them with evidence-based scientific guidance and help them make the right decision in consultation with their doctors."
Next, Dr. Mohammad Sandid presented statistics regarding the number of people living with diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa. According to the 2025 International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas, the number has reached 85 million, including 60 million Muslims. More than 79% of them fast, and among these are categories classified as high-risk, such as pregnant women, those with Type 1 diabetes, and elderly patients with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Dr. Sandid added: "Unfortunately, 80% of them do not consult a doctor before fasting, and 30% fast despite medical scientific advice, exposing themselves to risks such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration, and thrombosis."
For his part, Professor Morsi Arab spoke on "The Path to a National Program for Diabetes Patients." He focused on health awareness and education regarding diabetes, guiding patients through a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medication adherence. He also emphasized implementing unified systems for treatment distribution and improving services, all aimed at raising awareness and avoiding complications.
Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam stated: "Diabetes is no longer just an individual health challenge; it has become a community health issue that requires the synergy of scientific, medical, and educational efforts, especially in our societies where fasting is linked to deep religious and spiritual values."
Professor Abdel Salam continued: "This is where the importance of this conference stems from. It aims to place the patient at the heart of our concern and achieve a delicate balance between religious commitment and maintaining health safety, based on the latest scientific guidelines and clinical evidence."
Professor Abdel Salam concluded by presenting the University’s commemorative shield to Professor Morsi Arab as a token of loyalty and appreciation.
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