Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Patients with Diabetes Type 1Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational Study From Pakistan
Abstract
Objective: This study assessed the impact of pre-Ramadan medical assessment, education, and inMethods
A prospective observational study was conducted at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, involving 28 T1DM patients (82.1% aged ≥ 20 years, 67.9% female). Participants underwent pre-Ramadan risk stratification (IDF-DAR guidelines), structured education, and insulin regimen optimization. During Ramadan, remote monitoring via WhatsApp provided real-time support. Outcomes included hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, DKA, and hospitalization rates.Results
Younger participants (<20 years) had higher hypoglycemia rates (80% vs. 34.8%, *p*=0.133) and were more likely to break fasts due to hypoglycemia (80% vs. 21.7%, *p*=0.026). Mean HbA1c was higher in younger patients (8.3% vs. 7.3%, *p*=0.008). No hospitalizations occurred. Most participants (50%) fasted >20 days, with 11.3% completing all fasts. Frequent glucose self-monitoring was associated with better outcomes (*p*=0.03 for females).Conclusion
Pre-Ramadan assessment, education, and remote supervision enable safer fasting in low-to-intermediate- risk T1DM patients. Younger individuals and those with poorer glycemic control require closer monitoring. Structured interventions mitigate acute complications, though larger studies are needed to refine guidelines.Keywords:
Ramadan fasting, Type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia, insulin adjustment, Pakistan.Published
2026/03/04
Issue
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