A DIABETES charity is looking for volunteers from Southampton to advise diabetics about Ramadan.

Diabetes UK is holding talks at mosques in the city ahead of the major Muslim festival this summer and needs volunteers to advise people with diabetes and their families about their health.

For 30 days millions of people across the world take part in the Islamic festival before celebrating Eid-al-Fitr.

Many Muslims, though not all, will not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.

Young children, pregnant women and the frail do not have to take part, but many people believe that they have to, and Diabetes UK wants to give anyone suffering from diabetes guidance.

A spokesman for Diabetes UK said: “We need other volunteers to contribute to the Diabetes UK blogging site by sharing their experiences about how they themselves or a close family member cope with diabetes during this religious observance.

“The new volunteers will be invited along to a training session, where any questions can be answered, and they will be provided with presentations, information flyers and videos.

“Ramadan can be a difficult time for Muslims with diabetes, as many agonise over the decision about whether to fast.

“The main problem during the fast is that blood glucose levels can go either dangerously high or dangerously low. This is why Muslims with diabetes do not have to fast.”

Anyone with health issues thinking about fasting throughout Ramadan should talk to their healthcare professional and their Imam to come to a decision that is right for them.

• Call the Diabetes UK South East office on 01372 720148 or email south.east@diabetes.org.uk.