Ramadan Fasting related Awareness, Practices and Experiences of a representative group of Urban Pakistani Diabetics

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this retrospective study was to observe Ramadan related awareness, practices & experiences of diabetic patients. It is expected that the outcome of this study would assist the healthcare professionals in providing effective fasting related guidance.

Methodology: A total number of 1050 diabetic patients were interviewed post Ramadan. Closed ended questionnaires were administered and responses were recorded by the trained data collectors.

Results: Out of 1050 subjects, 33% (n=350) were males and 67% were females (n=700). About two third of the study participants monitored their blood glucose at home or at health care facilities. Frequency of monitoring blood glucose once a month was the most common pattern. During Ramadan blood glucose level was monitored by 70% of subjects. Majority of the subjects did their blood sugar 1-3 times in a month. Dosage of oral hypoglycemic/insulin was adjusted before Ramadan in 80.8% of the patients with diabetes who planned to fast. Overall 3.1% of subjects broke the fast due to hypoglycemia, while 75% of study population had never experienced symptoms of hypoglycemia during fasting.

Conclusion: The majority of diabetic patients were fasting without any adverse events however 15-20% of them were at risk as they continued fasting without checking their blood sugar even when they felt hypoglycemia. Diabetic patients should be counseled about the symptoms of hypoglycemia during fasting and the option for breaking the fast in case of low blood sugar.