The Metabolic Effects of Ramadan Fasting in Type 2 Diabetics

Abstract

Introduction: The objectives of our study are to analyze the effects of fasting during the month of Ramadan on metabolic control in well-balanced type 2 diabetics on oral antidiabetics or insulin. We analyzed the metabolic effects of fasting the month of Ramadan in 39 well-balanced type 2 diabetics treated with diet or oral antidiabetics or insulin, with good metabolic control. Our patients were assessed before Ramadan and after the month of Ramadan. This evaluation included a clinical investigation and biological analyzes. Fasting for the month of Ramadan had no influence on blood pressure, blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1c. Body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides were recorded before the beginning and at the end of the month. Only 39 patients who were able to fast 4 weeks and responded to the proposed follow-up after Ramadan. Baseline mean body mass (BMI), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides were respectively; 30.25 kg / m2, 7.2%; 4.65mmol / l, 1.18mmol / l, 2.84mmol / l and 3.72mmol / l. A significant drop in LDL choleterol in the blood was observed during the fast at the end of Ramadan in 20 patients (52%) and the HDL-cholesterol level increased concomitantly in 16 patients (46%) without significant change in total cholestrol and triglycerides. The increase in HDL-cholesterol eliminates excess bad cholesterol by cleaning the tissues and bringing cholesterol back to the liver. In type 2 diabetes there is a significant drop in blood levels of HDL-cholesterol, which is an indicator of oxidative stress.