As one of the sustainability initiatives to put the patient at the center of its business activities, Sanofi Levant in Lebanon and Jordan, organized the inaugural Diabetes & Ramadan International Alliance (DAR) Forum in partnership with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the Jordanian Society for the Care of Diabetes to announce the DAR Guidelines on Diabetes Management during Ramadan.

Fasting during Ramadan is widespread among diabetics, despite medical and religious advise that they should consider their health before deciding whether to abstain. Therefore, the DAR guidelines were developed following discussions with all stakeholders – Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), religious leaders, nutritionists and the media – to provide practical information on the management of diabetes during Ramadan; to assess the risks of fasting on the overall health of the patients and offer a personalised education within a diabetes management plan to optimize the care of patients.

The DAR guidelines form a new resource for healthcare professionals that will enable patients to take decisions based on pre-approved references for them to fast safely.

The forum was led by the Chairman of DAR, the President of the Jordanian Society for the Care of diabetes, the President of the Jordanian Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and My Diabetes Story Ambassador in Jordan. The forum presented the epidemiology of Type 1 and Type 2 patients who chose to fast during Ramadan; the importance of pre-Ramadan education about blood glucose monitoring, diet, and antidiabetic treatments, as well as the management of oral/injectable therapies during Ramadan and their efficacy, safety, and dosage.

Many roll out activities, leaflets and educational material to HCPs, were distributed to spread Diabetes and Ramadan practical guidelines. Round table discussions and public awareness events in different medical institutions were conducted to increase awareness.

Once again, Sanofi is Empowering Life by providing reliable and evidence-based information and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of major diseases.