In 2025, Ramadan will take place between the evening of Friday 28 February for 29 or 30 days, followed by the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.
The practice of fasting is an important part of Ramadan. This involves the complete abstinence from food, drink and smoking between dawn and sunset over the month. It’s also a time for self-reflection and evaluation.
Supporting you to have a healthy Ramadan
Please refer to the information below for health information and guidance on fasting:
Do you take prescribed medicines?
Remember to continue to take prescribed medicines during Ramadan but do check with your pharmacist if the doses need to be adjusted or the times you take them changed.
Do you have diabetes?
If you have diabetes and want to fast you should speak to your GP or diabetes nurse about the safest way to do this. There is an exemption from fasting during Ramadan for people with diabetes, especially for those on insulin or who have any medical complications.
Are there any exemptions for fasting during Ramadan?
It’s important to remember that there are several exemptions for individuals who may be unable to fast due to certain conditions. If you have an ongoing health condition that could be affected by fasting, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or lung disease - or if you are on medication, pregnant, or elderly, you should consider alternative options.
Should you fast if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
While most Muslims over the age of 14 will fast, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you are not expected to, although you can if you wish.
If you do decide to fast, it is important to make sure that you hydrate well by drinking lots of water when you are permitted to eat and drink. Also make sure you eat foods that will release carbs slowly, like bread and brown rice, to fill you up for longer.
For more information, please speak to your nurse or midwife.
Attending medical appointments
If you have a medical appointment booked during Ramadan, it is very important that you attend. If you need to adjust the time of your appointment, please contact the relevant healthcare organisation to do so.
What to do if you become unwell while fasting
The British Islamic Medical Association advises that if you become unwell during Ramadan, you should stop fasting and seek medical advice. You can do this by visiting 111.nhs.uk, checking your GP practice's website, or if you do not have access to the internet, by calling 111 or your GP practice directly.
Eid Al-Fitr
Ramadan will end with the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, which is expected to be marked on Sunday 30 March or Monday 31 March 2025, subject to the sighting of the new moon. It is traditionally a celebration involving meals, gatherings with family and friends, and attending special prayers in mosques.
Further resources
- Diabetes UK has advice on how to stay healthy during Ramadan, with factsheets available in multiple languages: Diabetes and Ramadan | Fasting | Diabetes UK
- Free online course: If you are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and plan to fast, this free online course will help you prepare and support you to stay healthy and manage your diabetes safely during Ramadan.