New 2026 Diabetes Guidelines Help Muslims Fast Safely in Ramadan

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has released updated guidelines for 2026 to help Muslims with diabetes fast safely during Ramadan. These new recommendations include a revised risk assessment tool and stronger advice on medical supervision before fasting.

Health experts are also pushing for 2026 to be named a 'Year of Prevention' to promote better food policies and reduce rising type 2 diabetes cases.

The 2026 guidelines introduce the IDF-DAR Risk Calculator, which sorts patients into low, moderate, or high-risk groups. This helps doctors tailor advice based on individual health needs. A key recommendation is that anyone with diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before fasting.

Medication adjustments and personalised monitoring plans are now considered essential. The guidelines also stress the importance of regular blood glucose checks and proper hydration during non-fasting hours. Modern tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and smart insulin pumps are highlighted as valuable for safer fasting.

For meals, the IDF advises prioritising vegetables and salads at Iftar, the meal to break the fast. High-fibre foods, such as aldo, are recommended for Suhur, the pre-dawn meal, to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. The guidelines briefly mention intermittent fasting trends, such as the 16:8 diet, but note that evidence on their benefits remains inconclusive.

While the IDF provides a global framework, the document does not specify how many countries have adopted official fasting guidelines for diabetes. It also does not compare national approaches with the new 2026 recommendations.

The updated IDF guidelines aim to make Ramadan fasting safer for people with diabetes through better risk assessment and medical support. They also call for wider health insurance policies to tackle diabetes prevention.

With a focus on personalised care and modern technology, the recommendations provide clearer steps for managing diabetes during fasting. However, their global adoption will depend on how individual countries implement them.