Dalia Mostafa: Diabetes Prevents Ramadan Fasting – 2024 Updates & New Roles

Cairo, Egypt – Actress Dalia Mostafa has revealed she is unable to participate in fasting during the upcoming month of Ramadan due to a diagnosis of diabetes. Mostafa shared the information during an appearance on the “Najoom Ramadan Aqrab Lak” program on Najoom FM, stating that while she cannot fast, she intends to fully immerse herself in the spirit of the holy month.

“I’m not able to fast during Ramadan because of my diabetes,” Mostafa said, as reported by multiple Arabic news outlets. “But I live the atmosphere and only eat in the morning because I’m tired.”

The actress expressed a longing for the spiritual experience of fasting, noting her commitment to compensate by increasing her engagement with religious practices. “I really miss the feeling of fasting and its spiritual atmosphere,” she explained. “I make sure to make up for it by reading the Quran and praying more before Iftar.”

Ramadan on Screen for Mostafa

Despite her health challenges, Mostafa will be actively involved in Ramadan 2026 entertainment, appearing in three different television series: “Dersh,” “Rouge Aswad,” and “As’al Rouhak.” This represents a significant workload for the actress, demonstrating her dedication to her craft even while managing a chronic health condition.

Mostafa’s situation highlights the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its impact on religious observances. Globally, the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, with approximately 1.8 billion Muslims observing Ramadan each year. Managing diabetes during Ramadan presents unique challenges, requiring careful consideration of medication, diet, and overall health management.

Recent medical recommendations, as outlined in an updated report aligning with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) consensus, prioritize pharmacologic therapies with a low risk of hypoglycemia for those with diabetes who choose to fast during Ramadan. This is a significant shift from previous restrictions, reflecting advancements in diabetes management and technology. Before these advancements, patients with diabetes were often discouraged from fasting, leading to frustration and disconnection from their families and communities.

The updated guidelines, issued every five years since 2005, aim to provide best practices for managing diabetes during Ramadan. The focus is on individualized risk assessment and tailored treatment plans. A recent article published on February 13, 2026, under the auspices of Professor Muhammad Mostafa Abdel-Ghaffar, President of the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE) in Egypt, specifically addresses “Risk Stratification in People with Diabetes for Fasting During Ramadan.” This suggests a growing emphasis on identifying individuals who can safely fast with appropriate medical supervision.

The use of technology, such as Flash Glucose Monitoring Systems, is also being increasingly recommended as a tool to help individuals with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels throughout the fasting period. Pre-Ramadan dose adjustments of medication are also crucial to minimize the risk of complications.

While Mostafa’s personal experience is unique to her, it underscores the broader need for accessible and comprehensive diabetes care, particularly for those who wish to observe Ramadan. The ability to safely participate in religious practices is a vital aspect of quality of life, and advancements in medical management are making that increasingly possible for individuals living with diabetes.

The challenges faced by individuals with diabetes during Ramadan are not limited to medication management. The extended fasting hours, which can range from 11 to 16 hours depending on the season and geographic location, require careful planning and monitoring. Dehydration is also a significant concern, and individuals with diabetes are advised to drink plenty of fluids during non-fasting hours.

research into complications of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathies, continues to advance. A study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal in November 2025 investigated the role of dexmedetomidine in alleviating diabetic peripheral neuropathy by modulating microglial polarization. While this research doesn’t directly relate to Ramadan fasting, it highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with diabetes, which indirectly supports their ability to participate in religious observances.

As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all Muslims, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes. The combination of updated medical guidelines, technological advancements, and individualized care plans offers hope for a more inclusive and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan experience for millions worldwide.