Ramadan challenging for diabetics
A new survey reveals the challenges of the Ramadan fast for people with diabetes. The survey, involving 407 patients living with diabetes from Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Algeria and South Africa has revealed that more than a third (36%) of people broke their fast, with 52% citing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) as one of the reasons for doing so.
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Ramadan, 18 June - 17 July 2015, will see more than 50 million Muslims with diabetes fasting, which puts them in an increased risk of severe.
The Ramadan and Diabetes Patients' Awareness survey found that people with diabetes were prompted to break their fast due to various challenges related to diabetes. These include hypoglycaemia (52%) and (36%) hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels), whilst 72 % cited fatigue, dizziness and dehydration. In addition, 49% of the respondents in South Africa reported fasting as challenging or difficult due to their diabetes.
More than 70% of patients with diabetes fasted without supervision from their healthcare professional (HCP) and of these, 24% made their own changes to their treatment regimen. HCPs typically would not change diabetes treatment regimens unless a patient is on two types of insulin; however, HCPs do change frequency, dosage or timing of doses if appropriate.
"It is important for people with diabetes who fast during Ramadan to speak with their doctor prior to beginning the fast," said Dr Lindiwe Pemba, Medical Affairs Manager at Novo Nordisk. "Patients can be assisted to feel more in control of their diabetes through education, increased monitoring and tailoring of their treatment regimen. However; hypoglycaemia remains a major challenge that can disrupt many fasts."
Approximately a third of those fasting during Ramadan with and without HCP supervision (31% and 28% respectively) were worried about hypoglycaemia. The majority of survey participants reported a need for further resources about fasting with diabetes.
"The Ramadan and Diabetes Patients' Awareness survey provides greater insight into communities who fast during Ramadan around the world," said Dr Pemba "The results emphasise the need for more doctor and patient communication in preparation for Ramadan."
Survey findings
- Reasons to fast during Ramadan:
- People with diabetes generally consider their condition to be well controlled
- People want to participate in Ramadan as part of their religion and do not want to feel controlled by their diabetes
- People with diabetes generally consider their condition to be well controlled
- Physicians involvement in their patients care during Ramadan:
- 26% of people with diabetes in South Africa fast under the supervision of their HCP
- The impact of fasting on daily life:
- 38% of people with diabetes think fasting during Ramadan affects their household and day-to-day activities and 41% have had their work productivity impacted
- 54% of people with diabetes think more guidance from their doctor would make fasting easier
- 38% of people with diabetes think fasting during Ramadan affects their household and day-to-day activities and 41% have had their work productivity impacted
- Patient awareness about their diabetes:
- 20% of people with diabetes believe that regular blood glucose self-monitoring is not necessary during Ramadan; however, it is essential that people with diabetes have the means to monitor their blood glucose levels multiple times daily, especially if they have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes that requires insulin
- 20% of people with diabetes believe that they should not break their fast if they experience high blood glucose levels. It is recommended people with diabetes break their fast if their blood glucose exceeds 300 mg/dl (16.7 mmol/l)
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