Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Metabolic Parameters of type 2 Diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Ramadan fasting exposes diabetic patients to glycemic exertion (mainly post prandial hyperglycemia in the night) and to metabolic dysregulation. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Ramadan fasting on metabolic parameters of type 2 diabetic patients.Patients & Method: Twenty eight type 2 diabetic patients on oral antidiabetic drugs attending National Diabetes Center ( NDC ) at October 2006 were investigated before and during Ramadan fasting ( 1st, 2nd, 4th, week )of fasting for the following parameters ( FPG; PPG; Lipid profile, urea and HbA1c).changes in the dose of medication were done during fasting. Results: During Ramadan fasting the FPG increased to 173.4±25.4mg/dl and PPG show no changes at 183.3±43.5mg/dl. While HbA1c increased at the end of Ramadan to8.95±1.55%.Both Total cholesterol and LDL- c level decreased to the 218.2±53.9mg/dl and 121.5±19.9 mg/dl respectively.TG elevated non significantly and HDL–c level increased at end of Ramadan.Conclusion: There is an improvement in most of metabolic control during Ramadan. Fasting Ramadan for type 2 diabetic patients will not expose them to an improper metabolic imbalance especially if they were followed up, education about diet and self monitoring were done.Key words: Ramadan fasting; FPG; PPG; TC; LDL-c; HDL-c; TG.