In Partnership with the Public and Private Sectors MSD Pharmaceuticals and the Jordanian Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (JSED) and the Jordanian Society for the Care of Diabetes Launch the “Safe Diabetes with My Doctor in Ramadan”
May 4, 2019 6:05 pm +00:00
MSD Pharmaceuticals and the Jordanian Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (JSED) and the Jordanian Society for the Care of Diabetes has launched an awareness campaign in cooperation with the country’s endocrinologists and specialists in diabetes and metabolism targeting diabetes patients throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The campaign, which is entitled “Safe Diabetes with My Doctor in Ramadan,” with the participation of public and private institutions, associations and civil society organizations, as well as medical specialists.
The month-long campaign will work to spread awareness of healthy practices for diabetes patients during Ramadan, offering advice and practical methods to help control sugar levels and mitigate any potential problems during the fasting period.
Launched by MSD Pharmaceuticals in cooperation with JSED, the campaign is an integral part of the company’s corporate social responsibility strategy, which aims to further the spirit of participation with national institutions active in the field of medicine and healthcare awareness for all the nation’s people.
During his remarks at the inauguration, MSD Jordan and Iraq Manager director Dr. Mustafa Taha spoke of his appreciation for the campaign’s partners in the public and private sectors, whose efforts united under for the cause of the initiative. The “Safe Diabetes with My Doctor in Ramadan” spread awareness throughout the month of Ramadan on how to manage the disease, offering safe fasting techniques as well as treatment and protection strategies to mitigate risk factors.
Dr. Taha affirmed MSD’s firm commitment to achieving the goal of sustainable healthcare through long-term policies, practical programs and partnerships and innovation in order to protect human lives.
Also speaking at the launch of the campaign, Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Khawaldeh, JSED chairman and consultant in diabetes, metabolism and endocrinology, said, “The ratio of diabetes patients in Jordan, according to a 2016 study by the National Diabetes Center, is approximately 19.4 percent for those above 25 years of age, and 20 percent were found to be pre-diabetic.”
In his remarks, Dr. Muwaffaq Al-Hiyari, diabetes and endocrinology consultant and Director of the Diabetes Center at the Prince Hamza Hospital, stressed the fact that diabetes patients who decide to fast should consult with a specialist before, during, and after the month of Ramadan.
According to Dr. Nadima Shegem, a diabetes and endocrinology consultant as well as the chairperson of the Jordan Diabetes Society, many important body changes that occurring during pregnancy are due to an increase in the metabolism, which burns calories in order to provide nutrition to both the fetus and the mother. Hence, she advised pregnant women not to fast during Ramadan. Under Sharia law, a diabetic woman can refrain from fasting in order to avoid medical complications, which is especially relevant for those who rely on insulin for their treatment.
Dr. Munther Al-Momani, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at the University of Jordan Hospital and the chairman of the Scientific Committee at JSED, warned against acute complications from diabetes, including sharp decreases and increases in blood sugar levels. Chronic complications can result in negative effects over a period of time, causing blood clots, lack of circulation in extremities, blindness, and kidney failure.
Dr. Munther Al-Momani, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at the University of Jordan Hospital and the chairman of the Scientific Committee at JSED, warned against acute complications from diabetes, including sharp decreases and increases in blood sugar levels. Chronic complications can result in negative effects over a period of time, causing blood clots, lack of circulation in extremities, blindness, and kidney failure.
MSD Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with national public and private sector institutions, and as part of its continued commitment and concerted efforts, regularly launches initiatives aimed at spreading the practical medical and health practices, which is directly in line with its corporate social responsibility strategy to effect positives changes in the healthcare sector.