Effects of Ramadan fasting on metabolic outcomes in fasting diabetic subjects

Introduction: Several investigations have been conducted on the effects of Islamic Ramadan fasting on blood glucose levels and lipid profile of type two diabetic subjects. However, this matter remained to be controversial. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting and structured SMBG on blood glucose control in this group of subjects. Materials and Methods: Forty type two diabetic subjects on oral agent were selected. These subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups and matched based on their age and sex. Group A monitored their blood glucose level using structured SMBG method and group B monitored their blood glucose level in a traditional way. Fructosamine level, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG were measured in all subjects before and after Ramadan. Results: Fructosamine level raised from 363 (±53.55) to 400.29(±73.25) (P < 0.003) in group A and from 388.52 (±61.89) to 411.10 (±68.37) (P < 0.04) in group B. Total chol, LDL and TG levels were increased and HDL level was decreased in both groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Poor metabolic control despite structured SMBG method is observed in this study. This might be due to have high caloric diet and less physical activity during Ramadan in order to prevent hypoglycemic attacks.