Diabetic patients and Ramadan fasting:how they live it?

Objective:To quantify the prevalence of fasting during Ramadan month among diabetic patients and to observe the factors which were deferring between fasting and non-fasting diabetic patients.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out at primary health care clinics.The diabetic patients were interviewed with a structured data form by trained research assistants.Patients’age,gender,marital status,weight and height,diabetes type,medication,compliance,follow up,self monitoring and any complication faced during the fasting were collected.Cardiovascular risk factors including smoking habit,hypertension,dyslipidemia and pre-existing cardiovascular diseases were also recorded.Results:Out of 920 diabetic patients,95%were suffering from DM type 2.Overall patients who fasted the whole month of Ramadan were 84%.The proportion of type 1 and type 2 was 71%and 85%respectively.About 63%of DM type 2 patients were treated with oral hypoglycemic agents(OHAs) alone and 2.4%with combination of OHAs and insulin.Only 42%of DM type 1 and 36%of DM type 2 patients has visited their physicians prior to their fast for advice.The significant differing factors which make non-fasting in diabetic patients,were medication(insulin),complications,hyperglycemia,retinopathy, neuropathy,nephropathy and vascular problems.Conclusions:This study has identified the factors in diabetic patients,were being compliant with medication,oral treatments and family support which lead to more likely to fast in Ramadan month.Factors which reduce fasting by these patients were acute and chronic complications,time since diagnosis and insulin treatment.Fasting would be acceptable for patients who are compliant with their diet and medication.