Characteristics and Ramadan-specific diabetes education trends of patients with diabetes (CARE): a multinational survey (2014)

AimsTo observe characteristics of fasting patients, trends of Ramadan-specific diabetes education and implementation of diabetes management recommendations in patients with diabetes during Ramadan. MethodologyThis observational study was conducted in seven countries. Patients were recruited in the study immediately after the end of Ramadan (August 2014) until December 2014. Standardized questionnaire-based, face-to-face interview conducted on one-to-one basis. An identical questionnaire used in each country. ResultsA total of 6610 patients with diabetes participated in the survey. Ramadan-specific diabetes education was received by 3142 (47.5%) patients, drug dosage and timings altered in 4371 (66.1%) patients and dietary advice received by 4636 (70.1%) patients with diabetes before Ramadan. Severe hypoglycaemia observed in 29 (1.0%) patients and severe hyperglycaemia noticed in 44 (1.7%) patients with diabetes during Ramadan. Patients who received Ramadan-specific diabetes education before Ramadan were significantly better (p < 0.0001) in following Ramadan-specific diabetes management recommendations during Ramadan. On further analysis, patients who received Ramadan-specific diabetes education through any mode i.e. one to one session, group session or written education material were found to be significantly better (p < 0.05) in following Ramadan-specific diabetes management recommendations during Ramadan compared with patients who did not receive education. ConclusionIt was observed that patients who received Ramadan-specific diabetes education followed Ramadan-specific diabetes management recommendations better compared with patients who did not receive education. Ramadan-specific diabetes management recommendations are still not completely implemented.