Fasting During Ramadan: A GP’s Guide to Staying Healthy

Written by the AccessGP Team
Clinically reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, Lead GP and Founder of AccessGP

Ramadan is a spiritually significant month for millions of Muslims in the UK and around the world. During this time, many adults fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink throughout the day.

While fasting is safe for most healthy adults, it can affect hydration, energy levels, sleep patterns and medication routines. A little planning can make a significant difference to how you feel across the month.

This guide explains how to fast safely from a medical perspective, what to consider if you have a health condition, and when it may be appropriate to seek advice.

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Who should speak to a GP before fasting?

Fasting is not obligatory for individuals whose health would be harmed by it. From a medical perspective, you should seek advice before fasting if you have:

• Diabetes, particularly if you use insulin or medications that can cause low blood sugar
• Chronic kidney disease
• Significant heart disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Severe asthma
• A history of eating disorders
• Complex mental health conditions
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

In many cases, fasting can still be possible with adjustments, but it should be planned safely rather than attempted without guidance.

Fasting and Diabetes

Diabetes requires particular care during Ramadan, especially for people using insulin or medications that can lower blood sugar.

Fasting can increase the risk of:

• Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar
• Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Diabetic ketoacidosis in higher-risk individuals

People with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin may be able to fast safely with medical guidance. However, individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, frequent hypoglycaemia, recent hospital admissions or pregnancy-related diabetes are generally advised not to fast.

Symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion, severe weakness or feeling faint should prompt immediate breaking of the fast.

Anyone with diabetes who plans to fast should seek medical advice beforehand to review medications and create a safe plan.

For detailed guidance, organisations such as Diabetes UK provide specific Ramadan advice.

Managing medication during Ramadan

One of the most important aspects of fasting safely is understanding how to adjust medication timing.

Some medications can be taken once daily at sunset or before dawn. Others require twice-daily dosing or food intake. Certain medications, particularly for diabetes or blood pressure, may need careful adjustment.

You should never change your medication schedule without medical advice. A short GP review before Ramadan can help ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

Preventing dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons people feel unwell while fasting.

To reduce the risk:

• Drink fluids steadily between sunset and dawn
• Aim for water as your main source of hydration
• Limit caffeine, as it can increase fluid loss
• Include hydrating foods such as fruit and vegetables

Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, reduced urination or severe weakness may indicate dehydration and should not be ignored.

Choosing the right foods at suhoor

The pre-dawn meal plays an important role in maintaining energy levels during the day.

Balanced options include:

• Slow-release carbohydrates such as oats, whole grains or brown rice
• Protein sources such as eggs, yoghurt or legumes
• Fibre-rich foods to support digestion
• Healthy fats in moderate amounts

Highly sugary foods may provide a quick boost but often lead to energy dips later in the day.

Breaking the fast safely

It is common to feel very hungry at sunset, but overeating can lead to bloating, reflux and poor sleep.

A sensible approach includes:

• Breaking the fast gently
• Having water first
• Eating a balanced meal rather than very heavy or fried foods
• Eating slowly

This helps stabilise blood sugar and supports digestion.

Sleep and energy management

Ramadan often changes sleep routines due to early mornings and late evenings. Over time, sleep disruption can contribute to headaches, low mood and fatigue.

To protect sleep:

• Try to maintain a consistent bedtime where possible
• Limit screen use late at night
• Avoid large meals immediately before sleeping

Planning rest periods during the day can also help.

When should you stop fasting?

Your health always comes first. You should break your fast and seek medical advice if you experience:

• Symptoms of low blood sugar such as shaking, sweating or confusion
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Signs of significant dehydration

Islam provides exemptions from fasting for those who are unwell. If fasting poses a risk to your health, seeking medical advice is the responsible choice.

Key sources: Diabetes UK, Ramadan guidance; AccessGP Knowledge Base.