Effects of Fasting Ramadan on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

  This study was designed to investigate the effects of fasting the month of Ramadan on the blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), and lipid profile among diabetic patients.  Patients and Methods: An observational Longitudinal study was conducted on diabetic patients inout patients department in  the National Diabetic & Endocrine Center located in Tripoli Libya from May 2017 to July 2017 (i.e. Ramadan 1437). During this time, Ramdan fasts were approximately 16 hours per day. Data on socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, educational level, and occupation), blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements were collected. The data was obtained using a face-to-face interview, the measurement were using a structured questionnaire, and, blood samples were collected for testing glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Lipid profile, urea, and Creatinine (using the Integra 400 Pulse).  Result: This study included 46 type 2 diabetic participants (27 men and 19 women). The mean participant age was 53.10±13.33 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 32.49±6.19 kg/m2. 26 participants were treated with insulin. The mean number of days fasted was 28.80±2.45 days. Among both male and female participants, the average levels of blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low density and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were all significantly lower during Ramadan as compared with before Ramadan (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results revealed that fasting the month of  Ramadan has a significant impact on the decrease in blood sugar, HbAlc level, lipid profile, BMI, and blood pressure among diabetic participants. Fasting Ramadan may prove to be beneficial to the health of type 2 diabetic patients.