Since 2008

Activities

Research, conferences, workshops and awareness programmes for safe fasting and safe pilgrimage.

  • Research
  • Conferences
  • Workshops
  • Awareness
  • 16 years of research and education
  • 50 studies in indexed journals
  • 30,000+ doctors trained
  • 11 years of international conferences

Research and education

A 16-year campaign

Since 2008, RHSGP has run a research and education campaign on diabetes in Ramadan and Hajj.

  • Collaborators in Pakistan and abroad
  • More studies in preparation
  • 50 studies published in international and national indexed journals
  • Two more studies submitted for publication
  • One-minute video series for patients and physicians (2022)
  • National survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices on diabetes and Ramadan (2016–17)

Held every year

International Diabetes and Ramadan Conference

Hosted by RHSGP for eleven years, with leading international speakers.

  • 10th conference: 6–7 January [Placeholder: year]
  • Venue: Pearl-Continental Hotel, Rawalpindi
  • With: DAR International Alliance and Primary Care Diabetes Association (PCDA)

8 sessions

  • Discussions
  • Keynotes
  • Workshops
  • Sessions with religious scholars

Workshops and materials

Workshops for doctors

Every year for 11 years · Across Pakistan

Training for general practitioners and family physicians, who see most people with diabetes.

  • More than 30,000 doctors trained to date
  • Digital workshops for three years during COVID-19, led by Prof. M. Yakoob Ahmedani
  • Ramadan education materials given to every participant

Education materials and fatwa

Ramadan and Hajj · Patients and doctors

Alhamdulillah, materials that help people fast safely and perform Hajj without complications.

  • Leaflets and guidance for patients and for doctors
  • A fatwa on diabetes and Ramadan from one of Pakistan’s highest religious institutions, widely distributed
Download the guides

Awareness programmes

Ramadan awareness

For patients and families · Every year before Ramadan

Teaching people with diabetes and their families how to fast safely.

  • Latest3 March 2024
  • Attended byAbout 150 patients
  • Hypo- and hyperglycaemia
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Dose and timing changes
  • Physical activity
  • When to fast
  • Nutrition and hydration
  • Religious guidance A Mufti Sahib answered questions in the light of Islam
  • Nutrition and hydration An interactive session by a certified dietitian

Hajj awareness for doctors

For doctors · Every year

Prof. M. Yakoob Ahmedani reviews pilgrimage and diabetes.

  • Pilgrims’ health risks
  • Pre-Hajj counselling
  • Hypos and hypers
  • Foot care
  • Vaccinations
  • Nutrition

Includes a session by a nutritionist.

Hajj awareness for patients

For patients · Every year

Held under the guidance of Prof. M. Yakoob Ahmedani.

  • Health risks on Hajj
  • Pre-trip counselling
  • Vaccinations
  • Diabetes care on Hajj
  • Hajj nutrition
  • Suitable footwear

Hajj literature and suitable footwear are given to participants.

Alliances and tools

Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) International Alliance

Founded January 2013 · IDF-MENA

Works with everyone involved in diabetes care to make Ramadan safe and comfortable for people who fast.

  • RHSGP is a member
  • RHSGP members have co-authored the IDF-DAR guidelines since 2016
  • 12th DAR conference (virtual, Dubai, 17–19 January 2025): Prof. Yakoob Ahmedani, RHSGP chairperson, spoke on “Safety of fasting among people with diabetic kidney disease”

Ramadan Conversation Map™ tool

Launched in Pakistan · Led by Prof. Yakoob Ahmedani

An education tool that helps people with diabetes and their healthcare team decide together.

  • Self-management decisions, religious exemptions and risks
  • Pre-Ramadan medical assessment
  • Food choices for fasting
  • When a person with diabetes should stop fasting

Guidelines and patient leaflets are free to download

Get the guides Browse publications