Ramadan fasting in people with type 1 diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic: The DaR Global survey

Digitising diabetes education for a safer Ramadan: Design, delivery, and evaluation of massive open online courses in Ramadan-focused diabetes education

AIMS

Ramadan-focused diabetes education is critical to facilitate safer Ramadan fasting amongst Muslim people living with diabetes. We present the design, delivery, and evaluation of two parallel massive open online courses (MOOCs) in Ramadan-focused diabetes education for people with diabetes and HCPs.

METHODS

Two Ramadan-focused diabetes education MOOCs were developed and delivered for Ramadan 2023: one for HCPs in English, and another for people with diabetes in English, Arabic and Malay. A user-centred iterative design process was adopted, informed by user feedback from a 2022 pilot MOOC. Evaluation comprised a mixed-methods evaluation of pre- and post-course user surveys.

RESULTS

The platform was utilised by people with diabetes and their family, friends and healthcare professionals. Overall, a total of 1531 users registered for the platform from 50 countries, 809 started a course with a 48% subsequent completion rate among course starters. Qualitative analysis showed users found the course a user-friendly and authoritative information source. In the HCP MOOC, users reported improved post-MOOC Ramadan awareness, associated diabetes knowledge and ability to assess and advise patients in relation to their diabetes during Ramadan (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the potential of MOOCs to deliver culturally tailored, high-quality, scalable, multilingual Ramadan-focused diabetes education to HCPs and people with diabetes.

Reflection on Ramadan Fasting Research Related to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): A Bibliometric Analysis

There is a large body of research on Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) and health in Muslim communities, that can offer insights to promote the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which encompasses good health and well-being. Based on recent bibliometric evidence, we hypothesized that RIF research is highly relevant to SDG 3, particularly Targets 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, and 3.5. Therefore, this bibliometric study quantified RIF literature supporting SDG 3 and associated targets over the past seven decades and explored themes and trends. All types of research articles were extracted from the Scopus database from inception to March 2022. Microsoft Excel, Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer were used to qualitatively and quantitatively examine RIF research trends supporting SDG 3 and associated targets. We identified 1729 relevant articles. The number of publications notably increased since 1986, with a dramatic increase in 2019-2020. RIF research predominantly supported Target 3.4 (reducing risk for non-communicable diseases), with research hotspots being diabetes, diabetes medications, pregnancy, physiology, metabolic diseases, and obesity and metabolism. This target was also the most commonly supported by dedicated authors and institutions publishing on RIF, whereas other SDG 3 targets were negligibly addressed in comparison. Our comprehensive bibliometric analysis of RIF literature showed growing support for SDG 3 through positive contributions to half of the SDG 3 targets, although Target 3.4 received the most attention. We also identified knowledge gaps that may shape further research directions on RIF and promote the achievement of SDG 3 in Muslim communities.

Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Lockdown: An ASPED/MENA Study on Lifestyle Changes and Quality of Life During Ramadan Fasting in Children and Adolescents Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Background

Lockdown was a unique experience that affected many aspects of life, particularly during the challenge of Ramadan fasting (RF). Studying this can increase understanding of the effects of lifestyle changes on quality of life (QoL) for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during RF.

Methods

A cross-sectional study that assessed the effect of lockdown on lifestyle and QoL on fasting children living with T1D during Ramadan in the Middle East and North Africa region (2020-2021). We compared the child (self) and parent (proxy) reports using PEDQoL v3.0 disease specific questionnaire during lockdown and non-lockdown periods, and assessed correlations with lifestyle changes using regression and gap analyses.

Results

A total of 998 reports from 499 children with T1D aged 8 to 18 years (study = 276, control = 223), and their parents during RF in lockdown and non-lockdown periods. Fathers were more involved in their children's care during lockdown (P = .019). Patients had better compliance with treatment (P = .002), a reversed sleep pattern (P = .033), increased food intake (P ⩽ .001), and less exercise (P < .001). Children and parents perceived better QoL during lockdown (P ⩽.001) with no differences between their reports in "Diabetes Symptoms", "Treatment Adherence," and "Communication" domains. Self and proxy reports were different in all domains during non-lockdown (P = <.001-.009). In gap analysis, although not statistically significant, the gap was approximated between children's and parents' perceptions in all domains during lockdown.

Conclusion

COVID-19 lockdown had a positive impact on QoL of children living with T1D during RF, possibly due to lifestyle changes and superior psychosocial family dynamics.

Efficacy of Fasting in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Over the last decade, studies suggested that dietary behavior modification, including fasting, can improve metabolic and cardiovascular markers as well as body composition. Given the increasing prevalence of people with type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the increasing obesity (also in combination with diabetes), nutritional therapies are gaining importance, besides pharmaceutical interventions. Fasting has demonstrated beneficial effects for both healthy individuals and those with metabolic diseases, leading to increased research interest in its impact on glycemia and associated short- and long-term complications. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate whether fasting can be used safely and effectively in addition to medications to support the therapy in T1DM and T2DM. A literature search on fasting and its interaction with diabetes was conducted via PubMed in September 2022. Fasting has the potential to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia in T1DM, lower glycaemic variability, and improve fat metabolism in T1DM and T2DM. It also increases insulin sensitivity, reduces endogenous glucose production in diabetes, lowers body weight, and improves body composition. To conclude, fasting is efficient for therapy management for both people with T1DM and T2DM and can be safely performed, when necessary, with the support of health care professionals.

Glycemic control during Ramadan fasting in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes on MiniMed™ 780G advanced hybrid closed‑loop system: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

MiniMed^TM 780G is the most advanced insulin pump system approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Hypoglycemic events are a serious complication associated with T1DM management during Ramadan fasting.

AIM

This prospective study assessed the safety, effectiveness and optimization of advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system on glycemic metrics and the level of hypoglycemia in T1DM patients who wished to fast Ramadan.

METHODS

Forty-two T1DM patients (mean age 15.2 ± 3.4 years) using AHCL system were divided into two groups (each n = 21): intervention group who adjusted AHCL settings and control group who kept the same settings as before Ramadan.

RESULTS

The most aggressive system settings among control group consisting of a 100 mg/dL glucose target, active insulin time of 2 h and bolus increment,maintained exceptional glycemia withtime in range reaching82.0 ± 10.2%, time above range >180 mg/dL of 12.1 ± 3.5% without an increase in hypoglycemia (time below range 3.0 ± 0.3%). All of which were non-significant in comparison to the intervention group. Overall time spent in closed loop (SmartGuard) by users averaged 98.7 ± 2.1% in Auto Mode and involved only 1.0 ± 0.7 exits per week indicating confidence in the system's performance. There were no severe hypoglycemic or diabetic ketoacidosis events during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

MiniMed™ 780G AHCL system assist in safe fasting with minimal user input and allows for achievement of recommended glycemic targets in people with T1DM during Ramadan fasting. The system demonstrated reduction in hypoglycemia exposure without compromising safety.

Ramadan Fasting and its Health Benefits: What’s New?

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting entails more than abstaining from food and drink, fasting improves impulse control and aids in the development of good behavior. The holy month of Ramadan falls on the 9th month of the lunar calendar. Ramadan is a month-long fasting period that takes place between dawn and sunset. Some people with diabetes and those who are sick or have certain medical conditions may be exempt. The majority of people with diabetes, on the other hand, choose to fast; even against medical advice. Many studies have been conducted to determine the health benefits of fasting. Apart from the benefits to the body’s organs, Ramadan fasting is also beneficial for the growth of the gut microbiota and gene expression and is believed to impact the body’s autophagy process. Furthermore, Ramadan fasting has an impact on mental health; TC and LDL were lower, while HDL and TG were higher, lowers inflammation, and oxidative stress markers.

Higher HbA1c was observed in young people with diabetes who fasted during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020 Ramadan in Bangladesh - A Post Ramadan survey

OBJECTIVE

Muslim people with T1DM should be actively discouraged from fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic, as diabetes has emerged as a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection. We report the experience of young patients with type 1, type 2 and other types diabetes who fasted during Ramadan 2020 at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic time lockdown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A Post- Ramadan survey was designed for young patients who fasted during Ramadan in 2020 during COVID pandemic time. The study was conducted to compared the basal characteristics and other parameters in children and adolescents (<18 years), with young adults (≥18 years) with diabetes at Paediatric Diabetes Center in BIRDEM in Bangladesh.

RESULTS

Among the study participants, a significantly higher number of participants were in older age group who fasted for more than 15 days (p = 0.045). A considerable proportion (30.7%) of patients developed mild hypoglycaemia, and only eight patients (2.6%) developed moderate to severe hypoglycemia. There was significant reduction of post Ramadan basal insulin dose in both groups (p = 0.001). Although increased bolus insulin dose requirements were observed in older age group, but decreased requirement was observed in younger age group during Ramadan (p = 0.001). Post Ramadan median HbA1C in both groups was increased with marked increase in older age group compared to younger age group though it did not reach the statistical significance. (p = 0.239) CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic had minor impact on fasting during Ramadan in our cohort, they could fast safely with less complications during Ramadan. Our data supports Ramadan focused diabetes education with ample self-care, young people with diabetes can fast safely during Ramadan.

The Effect of Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic Lockdown and the Overlapping Ramadan Fasting Period on Glucose Control in Insulin-Treated Patients With Diabetes: A Flash Glucose Monitoring Study

Background

A strict lockdown was enforced during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in many countries including the UAE. Lockdown period overlapped with Ramadan which is accompanied by its own drastic changes in lifestyle that include meal timings.

Aims

We report the impact of COVID-19 lockdown (between 22/3/2020 and 24/6/2020) on glucose control pre- and postlockdown and during Ramadan, in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin therapy.

Methods

A number of twenty-four patients (19 men, 6 women) who were monitoring their glucose levels using flash glucose monitoring (FGM) and remotely connected to the diabetes clinic in Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), Abu Dhabi, UAE were included. Using the international consensus on the use of continuous glucose monitoring guidelines, analyses of data were performed on glucose management indicator (GMI), time in range (TIR), time in hyperglycemia, time in hypoglycemia, low blood glucose index (LBGI) and high blood glucose index (HBGI). Variables were calculated for each period: 30 days before lockdown 14/2/2020-14/3/2020, 30 days into lockdown and pre-Ramadan 20/3/2020-18/4/2020, and 30 days into lockdown and Ramadan 24/4/2020-23/5/2020, using cgmanalysis package in R-studio software.

Results

Mean average glucose (MAG) remained steady before and during lockdown, and no significant differences were observed in TIR, time in hypoglycemia, and LBGI between prelockdown and lockdown periods. However, there was a statistically significant difference in GMI and percentage of time in hyperglycemia (>10.0 mmol/L) between Ramadan and pre-Ramadan during the lockdown period in p = 0.007, 0.006, and 0.004, respectively. Percentage of TIR (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) was significantly lower in Ramadan as compared to pre-Ramadan (50.3% vs. 56.1%; p = 0.026). Mean absolute glucose (MAG) (182.0 mmol/L vs. 166.6 mmol/L, p = 0.007) and HBGI (10.2 (6.8, 14.8) vs. 11.9 (7.9, 17.8), p = 0.037) were significantly higher in Ramadan compared to pre-Ramadan period. There was no statistically significant difference in percentage of time in hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) and LBGI between Ramadan and pre-Ramadan periods.

Conclusion

The lockdown period had no significant effects in the markers of glycemic control in the population studied. However, Ramadan fasting period embedded within this time was associated with several changes that include increase in GMI, HBGI, and glycemic variability similar to what has been reported in other Ramadan studies.

“I am my own doctor”: A qualitative study of the perspectives and decision-making process of Muslims with diabetes on Ramadan fasting

Background

Many Muslims with diabetes choose to fast against medical advice during Ramadan, potentially increasing their risk of acute complications. Patients are often reluctant to disclose fasting to their health care providers, and their needs regarding Ramadan are not met in consultations. For healthcare professionals to provide patient-centred care, it is important to gain more insight into patients’ decision-making process. This study therefore aims to explore how Muslims with diabetes decide whether to fast during Ramadan.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted consisting of 15 focus groups with Muslims with diabetes within a constructivist paradigm. Convenience sampling was used. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were found to be important in the decision on whether to fast: (1) values and beliefs concerning Ramadan, (2) experiences and emotions concerning Ramadan, (3) the perception of illness, and (4) advice from health care professionals, imams and family. Many participants indicated fasting against medical advice and trusting their subjective assessments on whether they could fast. Moreover, three main stages in the decision-making process for eventually refraining from fasting were identified: (1) the stage where positive experiences with fasting dominate, (2) the stage where one encounters challenges but their determination to fast prevails and (3) the stage where one decides to refrain from fasting after experiencing too many physical difficulties with fasting.

Conclusions

Muslims with diabetes experience autonomy in their decisions on Ramadan fasting. The decision to refrain from fasting often resulted from a difficult and dynamic decision-making process and was often made after participants reached their physical limits. These findings highlight the importance of not only shared decision-making to empower patients to make well-informed decisions on Ramadan fasting but also pre-Ramadan diabetes education to help people with diabetes have a safe Ramadan.

Diabetes and Ramadan: Practical guidelines 2021

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Though individuals with some illness and serious medical conditions, including some people with diabetes, can be exempted from fasting, many will fast anyway. It is of paramount importance that people with diabetes that fast are given the appropriate guidance and receive proper care. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes and Ramadan (DaR) International Alliance have come together to provide a substantial update to the previous guidelines. This update includes key information on fasting during Ramadan with type 1 diabetes, the management of diabetes in people of elderly ages and pregnant women, the effects of Ramadan on one's mental wellbeing, changes to the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications, and areas of future research. The IDF-DAR Diabetes and Ramadan Practical Guidelines 2021 seek to improve upon the awareness, knowledge and management of diabetes during Ramadan, and to provide real-world recommendations to health professionals and the people with diabetes who choose to fast.

Ramadan Fasting and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Diabetes Mellitus: Literature Review

There is an emerging Muslim and diabetic population in the United States and other Western countries and majority of pregnant women and patients with diabetes mellitus choose to fast during Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan in pregnant women with diabetes may represent a 'perfect storm' of metabolic disturbances including hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and ketosis. Recent continuous and flash glucose monitoring data suggests increased glycemic variability (fasting hypo- and post-Iftar hyperglycemia) in non-pregnant patients with diabetes during Ramadan. Only five small-scale studies, predominantly focused on women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Muslim-majority nations have explored maternal glycemic outcomes during Ramadan which is associated with lower mean blood glucose levels and higher frequency of fasting hypoglycemia. Data is limited however on important clinical outcomes such as symptomatic and serious hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization. Results have been conflicting regarding maternal Ramadan fasting and association with fetal outcomes in women without diabetes. Only one recently published study reported on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes which found no effect of Ramadan exposure on mean birthweight or macrosomia frequency but lower neonatal hypoglycemia prevalence, however a significant limitation was lack of documentation of maternal fasting status. At this stage, due to paucity of data, the current medical recommendation is against Ramadan fasting for pregnant Muslim women with diabetes. Large-scale population-based studies are warranted regarding maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant fasting women with diabetes and such studies should characterize maternal fasting status and have meaningful and consistent clinical outcomes. High-quality data derived from these studies can assist clinicians in providing more evidence-based advice to safely navigate both mother and fetus through a potentially challenging pregnancy.

Glycaemic Changes Among Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Before and During Ramadan Fasting Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Objectives

This study described and compared glycaemic changes with the use of the following Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) metrics: time in range, time in hyperglycaemia and time in hypoglycaemia from retrospective CGM data among children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), before and during Ramadan to better understand the impact of fasting during this season.

Methodology

This study was conducted in 2 tertiary centres: Hospital Putrajaya (HPJ) and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from February to May 2020. Muslim T1DM patients between ages 8 to18 who intended to fast during Ramadan were given Ramadan-focused education. CGM iPro2^® (Medtronic) was used before and during Ramadan, complemented by finger-prick glucose monitoring or self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).

Results

Of the 32 patients, only 24 (12 female) were analysed. Mean age was 13.6 ± 3.1 years old, mean HbAlc was 9.6 ± 1.9% and mean duration of illness was 5.4 ± 3.4 years. Majority (91.7%) were on multiple dose injections (MDI) while only 8.3% were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). All fasted in Ramadan without acute complications. Retrospective CGM analysis revealed similar results in time in range (TIR), time in hyperglycaemia and time in hypoglycaemia before and during Ramadan, indicating no increased hypoglycaemic or hyperglycaemic events related to fasting. Glycaemic variability before Ramadan as measured by the LBGI, HBGI and MAG, were similar to values during Ramadan.

Conclusion

Ramadan fasting among T1DM children and adolescents, by itself, is not associated with short-term glycaemic deterioration. T1DM youths can fast safely in Ramadan with the provision of focused education and regular SMBG.

Ramadan fasting and diabetes, latest evidence and technological advancements: 2021 update

Development of updated guidelines for management of diabetes in Ramadan Fasting is of paramount importance. Nonetheless, evidence-based guidelines in the field of Ramadan Fasting and Diabetes are scarce. Moreover, findings of some recent research such as effects of Ramadan fasting on microbiota, genetics and epigenetics, hormonal changes (such as adiponectin, leptin, testosterone…), and alternations in circadian rhythm should also be reviewed and included on a yearly basis. It is documented that self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is of vital importance for patients with type 1 diabetes who fast, and advantages of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or flash glucose monitoring (FGM) techniques should be highlighted. Moreover, the recent findings about applications of advanced insulin delivery technology in patients with diabetes who fast in Ramadan should also considered in the annual updates of the guidelines.

Ramadan fasting and diabetes, latest evidence and technological advancements: 2021 update

Development of updated guidelines for management of diabetes in Ramadan Fasting is of paramount importance. Nonetheless, evidence-based guidelines in the field of Ramadan Fasting and Diabetes are scarce. Moreover, findings of some recent research such as effects of Ramadan fasting on microbiota, genetics and epigenetics, hormonal changes (such as adiponectin, leptin, testosterone…), and alternations in circadian rhythm should also be reviewed and included on a yearly basis. It is documented that self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is of vital importance for patients with type 1 diabetes who fast, and advantages of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or flash glucose monitoring (FGM) techniques should be highlighted. Moreover, the recent findings about applications of advanced insulin delivery technology in patients with diabetes who fast in Ramadan should also considered in the annual updates of the guidelines.