HEALTH experts are advising Muslims with medical problems fasting during Ramadan to consult their GP and stay safe and well during the holy period.

The warning coincides with the start of Ramadan on Tuesday, when Muslims begun fasting during daylight hours for 30 days.

Slough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) director and local GP, Dr Asif Ali, said: "I would urge those Muslims with medical problems and those who take medications, in particular diabetes, to consult their GP practice and Imaam for advice about whether it is safe for them to be fasting, especially because they are exempt from fasting if it may adversely affect their health." In a recent study commissioned by Berkshire East CCGs, 73% of people who had been to A&E did not attempt to contact their GP first - although those that did overwhelmingly succeeded in getting advice. A&E departments see an increase in attendance during Ramadan when people with long-term conditions develop complications due to fasting for long periods. Dr Ali added: "GPs play an important role in urgent care and our patients can get urgent appointments with us if needed, rather than going straight to A&E unless it's a life-threatening condition. "We want people to stay safe and well during the holy period of Ramadan and remind them that their local GP, minor-injuries unit and walk-in centre is a convenient and quick way to access urgent care services and advice".

Fasting poses a particular problem to diabetics, who risk their blood glucose levels falling too low if they do not eat enough.

Jill Steaton, south east regional manager for Diabetes UK, said: "Some people with diabetes make the choice to fast during this period. Those who do should eat food that is absorbed relatively slowly, such as basmati rice, pitta bread chapattis and dhal, before they begin the fast.

"These types of foods and fruits and vegetables can help keep blood glucose levels more even during the fast.

"It's important to check blood glucose levels more frequently than usual so that people can, if necessary, break the fast if their blood glucose level drops too low - many Muslims think that testing blood is considered breaking the fast, but this is not the case." She added that it was a good idea to break the fast with a handful of dates and a glass of milk or water, and to chose healthier options such as vegetables and fruit.

Mrs Steaton also advised drinking lots of sugar-free fluids to avoid dehydration.

For more information, call the Diabetes UK careline on 0845 120 2960.