Evaluating the Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Muslim Patients with Diabetes in relation to Use of Medication and Lifestyle Patterns: A Prospective Study

Abstract EN

Objectives.

This study aimed to examine the effect of Ramadan fasting on HbA1c in Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes.

The incidence of hypoglycemia and glycemic changes in relation to the adjustment of doses of antidiabetic agents, diet, and physical activity during Ramadan was also evaluated.

Methods.

This was a prospective study conducted in an outpatient endocrine clinic.

A set of questionnaires was administered to Muslim patients with diabetes who fasted for ≥10 days.

Those who were hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia a month prior to Ramadan or were given short-term corticosteroid therapy were excluded.

The patients’ responses and clinical outcomes from the clinic database were collected before, during, and after Ramadan.

Results.

A total of 153 participants completed the study.

The mean HbA1c improved from 8.9% before Ramadan to 8.6% during Ramadan (P<0.05).

Although diet and physical activity did not contribute to changes in glycemia, a significant improvement in HbA1c was observed in patients who had adjustments made to their doses of antidiabetic agents during Ramadan (P<0.001).

In addition, their rate of hypoglycemia was minimal.

Conclusions.

Ramadan fasting appeared to improve glycemic control, especially in those whose doses of antidiabetic agents were adjusted during Ramadan.