Fasting in Ramadan with type 1 diabetes: A dose adjustment for normal eating workshop in Kuwait.

Abstract

This pre-Ramadan workshop was aimed at educating and counselling people with type 1 diabetes, who graduated from the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) Kuwait programme, on safe fasting practices as well as determining their views on the challenges associated with fasting. The workshop also served as a pilot for a Ramadan-specific module to inform its implementation in all DAFNE programmes with the goal of meeting the needs of Muslim DAFNE graduates wishing to fast safely. A 2-day workshop (5hours each) was conducted at DAFNE Kuwait 3days before the start of Ramadan 2018 and all DAFNE graduates were invited to attend. The workshop consisted of group discussions about fasting-related challenges, followed by three interactive lectures and hands-on experience with popular Ramadan dishes. A qualitative approach was employed to determine the experiences of the participants with fasting by conducting three focus group discussions. The discussions were recorded via handwritten notes and analysed thematically. Seventy-two people with type 1 diabetes attended and 47 participated in the group discussions. Participants discussed their past experiences with fasting and the associated challenges, and shared practices adopted over the years. In addition, they confirmed the positive impact of DAFNE on their fasting experiences. The workshop provided a platform for people with type 1 diabetes to share their experiences with fasting and learn how to fast safely. Furthermore, it provided preliminary information that can be further explored to inform recommendations for safer fasting practices and the implementation of a specific fasting curriculum for people with type 1 diabetes.