Dietary pattern during Ramadan fasting and its effect on the metabolic control of diabetes

The dietary pattern of thirteen non‐insulin‐dependent diabetics during the Ramadan fast and the effect of Ramadan fasting on the metabolic control of these diabetics was studied. The dosage of oral hypoglycaemic drugs and insulin (in insulin‐requring patients) was left unaltered during the fasting period. Patients ingested significantly less calories (p<0.05), more carbohydrates (p<0.05) and less fats (p<0.05) during the fasting as compared to pre‐fasting period. The metabolic control, as judged by blood glucose values and glycosylated haemoglobin, remained unchanged at the end of the fasting period. This study demonstrates the safety of Ramadan fasting at 7pm, 10pm and 4am in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetics.