• Item type: Scientific article
• Country: Saudi Arabia
• Language: English
• Author: Eltoum, N., Washi, S. and Al Twaim, A.
• Target audience: All health professionals
• Publication Date: Feb, 2015
• Eltoum et al(596.27 KB)

Fasting is a common practice in many religions. In Islam sick people are exempted from fasting. However, many patients might fast against medical advice. Ramadan fasting is observed by many diabetic Muslims and it was well documented that it is achievable especially among adult diabetics either with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The results of this study indicate that fasting by diabetic adolescents mainly with type 1 diabetes is feasible provided that they receive proper related education and medical advises in addition to dietary and healthy eating guidelines.

Changes in lifestyle, physical activity and dietary pattern are one of the characteristics of the month of Ramadan. The change in life style and dietary habits from active to sedentary and from less energy consumption to higher consumption did not contribute or promote weight as expected, but instead of that, the participants lost weight, which might be due to hyperglycemia and insufficient amount of insulin dose during Ramadan.

Finally it appears that the proper medical management and diabetes education services provided by the members of the pediatric diabetes team in addition to the free access to such service enabled the participants to overcome the acute complications that could result from fasting.