While medical examination is not required for a healthy individual to fast during the holy month of Ramadhan, a comprehensive check up is essential for those who suffer from chronic diseases, depend on dialysis, and other illnesses that require medical attention on a regular basis, according to doctors.
"Medical check up is not necessary for healthy people but chronically ill people and pregnant women must consult a doctor. This is to check whether these people can fast or not," says Dr Sanjay Dalal.
Dr Anil Devaraj, an internal medicine specialist, suggests that it is advisable for people with diabetes to undergo a medical check-up before Ramadhan, especially for those with frequent fluctuations in their blood sugar levels.
"This allows the doctor to assess how medications, including insulin, are working, enabling them to recommend adjustments to dosages, medication timing, and necessary precautions during fasting and after breaking the fast. Basic tests, including blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and liver and kidney function, will help the doctor provide tailored advice on precautions to take," he added.
"One should consult a doctor at least a week before the beginning of the holy month or a few days before fasting," says another doctor.
Accordingly, this is more applicable to those who work longer hours outdoors exposing themselves to the sun as they are prone to dehydration and fatigue due to abstaining from food and water.
Doing certain physical and mental preparations well before the beginning of the holy month will help one follow the rituals of the month in full.
This starts with checking his/her sugar level, blood pressure, creatine, to help oneself prepare the body and mind for Ramadhan.
"Pre-medical test is important for those who are on medication for renal failure, diabetes, BP, or other chronic diseases, especially those who are on insulin before they begin to fast. They tend to get hypoglycaemia during the day as they don't take food or medication. They need to ensure their vitals before fasting.
Mini Padikkal, a clinical nutritionist, says, "Such tests are advised for those who have chronic diseases if he or she is planning to observe Ramadhan fasting. Such people should get going with both pre and post Ramadhan checkup packages."
One shouldn't hesitate to consult a medical expert before Ramadhan fasting if s/he is unsure whether the body will be able to take the stress of fasting for one month. Health experts can guide such medical patients about the feasibility of their body being able to undergo stress or not.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), represented by the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Control Section, the management of diabetes in Ramadhan is of prime importance with a focus on the risk for patients with diabetes and to assess their ability to fast.
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