Before the Fast Begins: What an Omani Diabetes Study Reveals About Ramadan Preparation

Ramadhan is the awaited month for Muslims around the world, marked by spiritual reflection and reunion with family and faith. The anticipation begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, signalling the start of the blessed month. With that announcement, a sense of peace fills the atmosphere, lifting people from daily pressures and drawing them into Ramadhan’s spiritual and cultural rhythm.
While Ramadhan is often viewed through a spiritual lens, preparation for the month has broader dimensions. Recent Omani research highlights the importance of health preparation, showing that planning before Ramadhan plays a measurable role in well-being, especially for those managing chronic conditions.
A 2025 study titled “Impact of the IDF-DAR Risk Stratification and Pre-Ramadhan Education on Diabetes-Related Complications,” published in the Journal of Diabetes and Endocrine Practice, was conducted across three healthcare centres in Oman by a multidisciplinary team of researchers. The study focused on structured pre-Ramadhan assessments and education for people living with diabetes, emphasising that Ramadhan begins before the first day of fasting.
Preparation as Prevention
Patients attending diabetes clinics received tailored education weeks before Ramadhan. Healthcare teams provided guidance on meal timing, medication adjustments, hydration, and warning signs that require breaking the fast. The findings showed that patients who followed structured guidance experienced fewer fasting-related complications and felt more confident managing their health.
One notable case involved a 26-year-old woman with longstanding type 1 diabetes who strongly wished to fast. Instead of discouraging her, the diabetes care team designed an individualised Ramadhan care plan. She received intensive education on carbohydrate counting, insulin adjustment, and continuous glucose monitoring. Her glucose readings were remotely monitored through a dedicated communication channel, with regular check-ins and access to real-time support.
With this closely supervised approach, she completed Ramadhan without severe hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, emergency visits, or hospital admissions. The case demonstrated that with proper planning and support, even high-risk individuals can fast safely and meaningfully.
A Shift in Approach
Although the study focused on diabetes, its implications extend further. Health professionals stress that preparation should go beyond stocking food and planning Iftar menus. It should include personalised nutritional plans based on health status, gradual caffeine reduction, sleep adjustments, and portion control before Ramadhan begins.
The researchers recommend making pre-Ramadhan education a routine part of healthcare services, particularly for patients with chronic conditions. Their findings align with global health guidance and reinforce a clear message: the quality and safety of Ramadhan are shaped not only during the month itself, but also in the quiet weeks leading up to it.