Abstract

Background: During Ramadan, type 2 diabetic Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This long fasting period may cause changes in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile and other biochemical parameters, eating behaviors, and nutrient intake. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on nutrient intake, changes in blood sugar, lipid profile and, other biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetic patients who fasted Ramadan in the state of Qatar.
Methods: The study was conducted among 38 Muslim subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus who undertook fasting during Ramadan. All subjects were subjected to a dietary assessment at three stages, i.e., Before Ramadan (BR), During Ramadan (DR), and After Ramadan (AR), by a trained dietician. The 24-hour dietary recall method was the tool for dietary assessment. Energy, macronutrients, sodium, and calcium intake were assessed using a 24-hour recall through a face-to-face interview in each stage. 5ml blood sample was collected to measure FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, BUN, sodium, and calcium were measured before, during and after Ramadan.
Results: Significant decrease in fasting blood sugar (P=0.03), HbA1c level (P=0.04), BUN (P=0.04), and creatinine (P=0.03). While the non-significant increases in lipid profile including total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL‐C and TG were noticed (P>0.05). There is no change was noticed in albumin, hemoglobin, and vitamin D. Daily consumption of energy, carbohydrate, and protein was significantly reduced during Ramadan (p < 0.000) when compared to before Ramadan. While fat, sodium, and calcium intake were significantly increased during Ramadan fasting (p < 0.000).
Conclusion: Ramadan fasting improve fasting blood sugar, HbA1-c, and some of biochemical parameters but has no effect on lipid profile. Reduce total energy and variations in macro and micronutrients intake during Ramadan fasting.

Keywords:Ramadan fasting; Energy; Intake; Dawn; Sunset