What does this research mean for the field?

Although French general practitioners currently have very low awareness and usage of the IDF-DAR risk score for diabetic patients fasting during Ramadan, the vast majority perceive it as highly relevant and are willing to adopt it if provided with adequate information. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore GPs’ perceptions of the IDF–DAR risk score's relevance and barriers for use in diabetes fasting risk assessment.

May 16, 2026

GPs’ perceptions of the IDF–DAR risk score for fasting during Ramadan among patients with diabetes in Northern France

Key Points

To explore GPs’ perceptions of the IDF–DAR risk score's relevance and barriers for use in diabetes fasting risk assessment.
Cross-sectional quantitative online survey among GPs in Hauts-de-France region.
Questionnaire assessed knowledge, relevance, ease of use, and implementation willingness.
Descriptive and bivariate analyses performed.
Only 6% of GPs had knowledge of the IDF–DAR score, and 2% used it.
89% deemed the risk score relevant, while 95% believed it could enhance doctor-patient dialogue.
Main barrier to use was lack of information, though 89% showed willingness to implement it in the future.

Abstract

Background Fasting during Ramadan poses major challenges for patients with diabetes, who are at risk of glycaemic imbalance. To assist clinicians, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) Alliance developed a risk score to guide fasting decisions. However, little is known about how this tool is perceived or used by French GPs. Aim To explore GPs’ perceptions of the relevance, acceptability, and barriers to the use of the IDF–DAR risk score in assessing fasting risk among patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Method A cross-sectional, quantitative online survey conducted among community-based GPs in the Hauts-de-France region between March and June 2025. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, perceived relevance, ease of use, and willingness to implement the score in clinical practice. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Results A total of 106 GPs participated. Knowledge of the IDF–DAR score was limited (6%), and its use was rare (2%). However, 89% of respondents considered it relevant, and 95% felt it could enhance doctor–patient dialogue. Perceived relevance was significantly associated with ease of use (p <0.001), clarity of it (p = 0.0035), and its educational value for patients (p <0.001). Despite low awareness, 89% expressed willingness to use it in the future; lack of information was the main barrier. Conclusion The IDF–DAR risk score appears useful for structuring pre-Ramadan risk assessments in diabetes care, but greater dissemination and training are needed to support its adoption in primary care.

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