Effect of Pre-Ramadan Education on Dietary Intake and Anthropometry-Comparison Between Two Groups of Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims: Fasting of Ramadan leads to changes in dietary habits, physical activity, sleep and time of drug intake for diabetics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-Ramadan education on dietary intake and anthropometry of two groups of patients. Material and methods: The entire cohort was divided in a group (G1; n=86) which attended nutritional education sessions and group that did not attend these sessions (G2; n=72). The protocol included three visits before, during and after the month of Ramadan. Results. Total energy intake of the G1 did not differ significantly between visits, unlike the G2. Patients in the G1 reduced their carbohydrate intake during Ramadan with 32.5g, compared to the G2 which decreased their consumption with17.2g. The intake of saturated fatty acids was significantly higher in the G2 (p=0.001) after Ramadan. The number of obese class 2 of the G1 decreased after Ramadan, however for the G2, the number increased. The waist-to-hip ratio and the body fat (%) were unchanged between the three periods. Conclusion. The management of diabetes should be multidisciplinary to ensure better continuity of care. Specialized and individual educational actions must be concrete in diabetics wishing to fast.