Kindly read this information if you are diabetic and traveling to perform Hajj.
- See your doctor at least 3 to 4 months before travelling to Hajj
- Receive education for self-monitoring of blood glucose and what to do in case blood glucose is high or low.
- Get Advice about your diet as well.
- You should have Laboratory investigations, including, HBA1c, (average reading for 3 months of blood glucose) and renal function assessment, which helps to adjust your medicines.
- Blood pressure should be checked and treated to keep it ≤ 130/80 mmHg.
Good blood pressure control helps to improve blood glucose control.
- Take medications regularly as prescribed by your doctor and to take food on time. Delay in food intake can drop your blood glucose.
- During Hajj, Monitor your blood glucose from time to time to keep an eye on your blood glucose
- If you get ill, then monitor your blood glucose at least 2 to 3 times/ day and seek immediate medical help.
Manifestations of high blood glucose include feeling unwell, increased thirst, passing urine frequently. In additions manifestations of infections, such as sore throat, fever, cough, burning while passing urine., etc.
- You should keep glucometer, ( with test strips, lancet, and Alcohol swabs) with you for Self Monitoring of blood glucose.
- During Hajj, you may need to walk for a longer period of time, you may not be used to it, before. During Walking or exercise, blood glucose may drop. If blood glucose goes too low then you can get the manifestation of low blood glucose, Which include, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, trembling hands, feeling cold, confusion and even loss of consciousness.
Therefore keep with you something sweet to take, example, dates,( Tamar). Sugar or juice with you. If blood glucose is low, 2-4 dates could be taken with water or 2 to 4 teaspoon full of sugar can be taken with water. Recheck your blood glucose after 15 minutes to a ½ hour. Subsequently, take a sandwich or something solid or usual meal, so that blood glucose does not drop again.
This leaflet is prepared by Dr. Gulshad Hassan, MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCP(London) SC (Endocrinology & Diabetes, Consultant Endocrinologist, Ex, Consultant Endocrinologist, and Division Head Endocrinology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
