(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Hamad General Hospital (HGH), a member of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday launched an exclusive walk-in clinic for diabetic patients to help better prepare them for fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
The decision to fast carries an assortment of risks and complications for diabetics, especially because patients experience a change in meal patterns and their level of physical activity. To assist patients with managing this change and avoiding diabetic complications while fasting, the new temporary clinic will offer diabetes consultation prior to the commencement of Ramadan.
For individuals with diabetes who choose to fast during Ramadan, several issues require specific consideration, including monitoring of blood sugar, nutrition, exercise and fasting during pregnancy. It is recommended that patients consult with their healthcare team prior to fasting. Thus, the new clinic will encourage patients to take the necessary precautions when making the decision to fast and will help in the prevention of diabetes-related complications and emergency visits to the hospital.
The clinic, which is the first such offering by HMC, will be embedded within the National Diabetes Centre at HGH, located on the second floor of the Outpatient Department. The clinic has already started working and will be available from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm. This will be followed by two simultaneous clinics offered on 1, 2 and 6 June, and three simultaneous clinics on 7 to 9 June and four parallel clinics on 14 to 17 June at the same time. More clinics may be offered depending on the number of patients.
Professor Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at HGH, commented: "We are pleased to initiate the Ramadan clinic for our patients with diabetes. This is part of our ongoing efforts to support our patients in managing their conditions and most importantly to avoid diabetes-related complications."
Manal Musallam, director of Diabetes Education at HGH, highlighted: "This clinic will be a dedicated space for patients with diabetes to adjust their medication before the beginning of Ramadan to meet the new lifestyle. Patients will receive instructions about how and when to monitor their blood sugar, the normal blood sugar target, when they would need to break their fast, and they will be given special instructions about physical activity and how to manage Taraweeh prayer."
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