Ali khamis Al Reesi
Biography
Dr. Ali Al Reesi is a Senior Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Suhar Hospital, Oman. He currently serves as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, and as the Associate Program Director for the General Foundation Program in North Batinah. Dr. Al Reesi earned his Bachelor of Health Sciences and Medical Doctor degree from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. He completed his fellowship training in Endocrinology and Metabolism at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and holds board certifications from the Oman Medical Specialty Board, the Arab Board of Health Specializations, and the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. He also holds the Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology and Diabetes from the Royal College of Physicians (UK). A Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and the American College of Endocrinology (FACE), Dr. Al Reesi is a certified professional trainer in Leadership and Management from the American Management Institute. With a strong focus on medical education, Dr. Al Reesi has led more than 15 workshops annually and supervised continuing professional development activities for residents, general practitioners, and medical students. His academic interests span diabetes care, thyroid disease, adrenal and pituitary disorders, and advanced therapeutic modalities including insulin pump therapy and metabolic bone disease management. Dr. Al Reesi has published over 10 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, and regularly contributes to scientific conferences across the Gulf region and internationally. He has been a featured speaker at the GAED Congress, the Diabetes and Ramadan Alliance, and numerous national endocrine and diabetes symposia. Beyond clinical and academic roles, Dr. Al Reesi has made notable contributions to healthcare system development, including the establishment of multiple specialized clinics, protocol development, and service expansion in endocrinology and internal medicine. His current academic vision is to advance endocrine education, promote evidence-based practice, and develop Suhar Hospital into a regional center of tertiary care excellence.
Research Interest
Abstract
Enhancing Safe Fasting During Ramadan in Patients with Diabetes: A Multicenter Study Using IDF-DAR Risk Stratification and Pre-Ramadan Education
Ramadan fasting poses clinical challenges for individuals with diabetes due to the risks of glycemic variability, including hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Despite medical exemptions, many diabetic patients choose to fast, necessitating evidence-based interventions. This prospective multicenter study aimed to validate the International Diabetes Federation–Diabetes and Ramadan (IDF-DAR) risk stratification tool and assess the impact of structured pre-Ramadan education on fasting outcomes.
The study was conducted in three diabetes centers across Oman and enrolled 326 patients (29.4% with type 1 and 70.6% with type 2 diabetes). Participants underwent risk stratification using the IDF-DAR tool and received individualized pre-Ramadan education 4–8 weeks before the holy month. Education included personalized treatment plans, medication adjustments, blood glucose monitoring strategies, dietary advice, and access to real-time telehealth support.
Findings demonstrated that fasting completion rates were 97% in low-risk patients, 82% in moderate-risk, and 58% in high-risk groups. Hypoglycemia (37%) and hyperglycemia (20.5%) were the most common reasons for breaking the fast. Hospital admissions were minimal (1.9%), with most related to DKA.
The results confirmed the clinical utility of the IDF-DAR tool in predicting fasting safety and emphasized the positive influence of structured pre-Ramadan education in reducing complications and enhancing glycemic control. This approach empowers patients while reducing healthcare burdens.
The model offers a replicable strategy for managing diabetes during fasting periods and underscores the importance of integrating preventive education into routine diabetes care, particularly in culturally relevant and resource-limited settings.
