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OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is known to be associated with
alterations in metabolic parameters. The aim of this study is to
investigate whether Ramadan fasting can affect these metabolic
parameters in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
patients.
METHODS: This study was conducted in the outpatient Clinic
of Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan in February of 1415
Hijra year (1995 Gregorian). Forty-four NIDDM male patients
volunteered for this study. Patients fasted the month of Ramadan
and few metabolic parameters were recorded. Body weight, fasting
blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c),
triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured, before, at mid-
and at the end- of Ramadan. Detailed energy intakes were also
recorded.
RESULTS: Patients mean age were 52+/-9 years (range 35-75).
Patients showed a statistically significant reduction in their
body weight, FBS, HbA1c, and TG levels by the end of Ramadan
(1.57 kg, 31 mg/dl, 0.85%, and 35 mg/dl). Other parameters such
as TC, LDL-C, HDL-C were not affected by Ramadan fasting. The
total daily energy intake remained unchanged including the
qualitative components of nutrients.
CONCLUSION: Muslim NIDDM patients showed a trend towards
better glycemic control following Ramadan fasting. However, the
pre-Ramadan existed dyslipidemia was sustained or even worsened
following Ramadan fasting.
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