Description of clinical profile, acute complications and glycemic control after Ramadan fasting in a Tunisian population of patients with diabetes

Abstract

Aims: To assess clinical and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes during Ramadan fasting. Patients and method: It was a prospective evaluative study based in the National Institute of Nutrition of Tunis (Departement C) in a population of patients with diabetes prepared for fasting by education and therapeutic adjustment. Results: 140 diabetics, mainly at high and very high risk (70.7 %), were analyzed. The frequencies of hypo and hyperglycemia were 12.1 and 11.4 % respectively. The mean weight and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained stable. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1C decreased significantly (−0.7 ± 3.1 mmol/L (p = 0.009), −0.18 ± 1.1 % (p = 0.047). The mean creatinine clearance had remained stable. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting can be well-tolerated, even for patients at high and very high risk, with an improvement in glycemic control, provided prior education and adequate therapeutic adjustment.

Keywords

• Diabetes
• Ramadan
• Glycosylated hemoglobin A
• Fasting
• Education
• Safety of fasting