Diabetes Care During Hajj

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus affects over 463 million individuals worldwide. Religious activities such as the Hajj pilgrimage have a major impact on patients with diabetes mellitus, including increasing the risk of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia. This increased risk is due to dietary changes and intense physical activity during pilgrimage while being on antidiabetic medications. Approximately 20% of the pilgrims with underlying illnesses who visit Mecca are diabetic, and complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, nonketotic hyperosmolar state, and fatigue/unconsciousness due to hypoglycaemia, have been observed among these patients. Diabetic patients are also at a high risk for foot complications and infections. To avoid any aggravation of the diabetes, a complete biochemical evaluation of the patient must be conducted before Hajj, and the patients must be provided contextualized educational guidance to avert these potential health challenges. This counselling should include the importance of

Knowledge and Behaviors of Foot Care in Muslims With Diabetes Mellitus: Does Islamic Ritual Ablution Make a Difference?

“…This increase is expected to be particularly significant in countries with Muslim-majority populations. According to estimates, the global Muslim population affected by diabetes is around 148 million individuals (Jabbar, 2016; Shaikh et al, 2020). The prevalence of diabetic foot in the predominantly Muslim countries of the Middle East and North Africa region ranges from 5.0% to 20.0% (Monteiro-Soares & Santos, 2022; Samad Omar et al, 2023).…”