Analysis of Emergency Department Admissions with Hypo or Hyperglycemia in the Month of Ramadan

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to identify the glycemic profile of patients admitted to our emergency department during Ramadan. The charts of patients aged 18 years and over who had been fasting religiously and admitted to the Emergency Service with hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia during the month of Ramadan, were reviewed retrospectively. 169 patients (30 non-diabetic, 139 diabetic) were found to be admitted with hyperglycemia (161 cases, 95.3%) or hypoglycemia (8 cases, 4.7%). The blood glucose level ranged from 30 to 736, with an mean of 279±127 mg/dl. 163 cases (96.4%) were discharged from the hospital, 4 cases (2.4%) were referred to another hospital, and only 2 cases (1.2%) were hospitalized. After being informed about the metabolic disturbances that might occur during Ramadan and by meticulous follow-up of their symptoms, there is no harm in terms of urgent complications in the religious fasting of diabetes mellitus patients without complying any extra diet or medication protocol. Non-Diabetic patient scan undergo episodes of hypo or hyperglycemia during Ramadan. Such patients should be investigated for the presence of a prediabetic status or an underlying disease that can trigger a hyper or hypoglycemic episode.