Abstract
Background and aims: The diabetic exempted from fasting by religion, wishing or not to observe the fast, is exposed like any other during Ramadan to a change in lifestyle. The objective of this study was to highlight the effects of Ramadan fasting on diabetes.
Material and methods: Multicentre study on 899 diabetics was carried to collect data on the behaviour of diabetics with regard to the fast of Ramadan, biochemicals and anthropometry parameters.
Results. The sample consists of 541 diabetic fasters (DTMF) and 358 no fasters. The causes of interruption of fasting were: hypoglycemia (82.4%), dehydration (44.5%), hyperglycemia (12.6%), high blood pressure (13.7%), loss of consciousness (8.3%). The risk factors related to fasting for DTMF were the type of diabetes and gender. Discussion and modifications about dietary, blood glucose monitoring and nutritional education sessions showed a protective effect against the occurrence of hypo and hyperglycemia and loss of consciousness. Decreasing differences were noted for Hb1Ac, LDL and Total-Cholesterol between before and after Ramadan. The weight of DTMF decreased in post-Ramadan (p=0.0000).
Conclusion. There is a need to consider regular preventive measures based on public information on the effects of diabetes related complications and the benefits of a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity in nutrition education sessions.
