Patients with diabetes can perform Hajj or Umrah, Allah willing, after conducting a medical examination and the results reflect the availability for Hajj or Umrah, but they must be aware of what they may be exposed to during that:
- Difficulty controlling the level of sugar in the blood, and this may happen because of changing levels of physical activity, exposure to high heat, dehydration, a change in the food and meals, and the effort in travel.
- Injury or ulcers in the feet or others, due to excessive movement and crowding.
- Skin irritations occur easily in patients with diabetes, due to overcrowding, excessive sweating, and blood sugar disturbances.
Tips for Hajj/Umrah performers with diabetes to avoid these problems:
- Put a bracelet around the wrist or carrying an identification card stating that the Hajj /Umrah performer has diabetes, as well as indicating the type of treatment, so that the necessary assistance can be provided when needed.
- Monitor the level of blood sugar daily and regularly, especially when feeling an imbalance in the level of sugar, noting that diabetes tools (such as: glucose meters, test strips, etc.) may be affected by temperature and humidity.
- Carry a detailed medical report on the state of health and inform one of the people who are always close to the place of residence and the campaign doctor that he has diabetes.
- Take enough diabetes medications and follow the diet according to the instructions of the specialist doctor.
- Ensure that the insulin is cool during its transportation and storage by placing it in a suitable ice box or refrigerator at the place of residence, taking care not to place it directly on ice.
- Ensure the safe disposal of sharp tools.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and socks to protect the feet from any ulcers and avoid walking barefoot.
- Wash your feet daily with soap and water and dry them well, especially between the toes.
- Examine the feet daily to detect and treat foot ulcers.
- It is advised not to start performing any rituals until after taking treatment and adequate food, to prevent a decrease in the level of sugar in the blood, while avoiding excessive food.
- Consistently eat basic meals and snacks during travel and Hajj to limit exposure to a severe drop in blood sugar level, according to the prescribed diet.
- Carry some snacks when moving between rituals, to relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia as soon as they occur.
- Avoid excessive sugary foods and sweets; Excessively high blood sugar may be harmful to health.
- Temporarily stop performing the rituals when feeling symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as: feeling shivering, coldness, dizziness with fatigue and exhaustion, feeling sudden or severe hunger, profuse sweating, or blurred vision) and taking health precautions in such a situation.
- Drink water in appropriate quantities and regularly to avoid dehydration.
- Use the pilgrim's electric razor instead of a razor, to avoid cuts and infections.
Treatment of low blood sugar:
- If the person is conscious, the following can be done:
- Eat half a cup of sweetened juice, such as orange, apple, or mixed fruit.
- Or eat a tablespoon of honey.
- Or take a tablespoon of sugar dissolved in a glass of water.
- Or take glucose tablets (they can be purchased at a pharmacy).
If the diabetic lost consciousness, the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.