Pharmaceutical practice and selling of drugs during Ramadan

Does Ramadan Intermittent Fasting Affect the Fasting Blood Glucose Level among Type II Diabetic Patients?

BACKGROUND

The level of fasting blood glucose (FBG) is influenced by several factors, including health status, genetics, and diet. Some studies have reported a beneficial effect of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting (RIF) on diabetic patients. However, clinical observations have shown that diabetes is exacerbated in some patients.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the influence of RIF on the FBG level, a biomarker of hyperglycemia and diabetes, and to identify factors associated with variations in FBG levels during RIF among diabetic patients.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional study. We monitored the FBG levels of 181 type II diabetic patients over a two-month period, from 20 February to 20 April 2023, which represents the Islamic lunar months of Shaban (8th month) and Ramadan (9th month). Ramadan provides a prominent month of intermittent fasting practice for studying its physiological effects on diabetes. We collected clinical data from each participant, including demographic information, co-morbidities, and medications used during this period.

RESULTS

Based on our findings, diabetic patients were classified into three groups depending on the influence of RIF on FBG levels: the positively affected group (44%), whose average FBG levels were reduced; the neutrally affected group (24%), whose average FBG levels did not change; and the negatively affected group (32%), whose average FBG levels increased during the fasting month of Ramadan compared to the previous month. Furthermore, we found that the positive effect of RIF was more frequent among obese, non-geriatric, and male diabetic patients, while the negative effect of RIF was more frequent among patients who were not adhering to the medication.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that RIF affects FBG levels differently among diabetic patients. These findings should be taken into consideration when treating diabetic patients during the fasting month of Ramadan, and further studies are needed to identify (1) factors associated with inter-individual variation in the response to RIF and (2) those who are great candidates for RIF.

The Impact of Ramadan on lifestyle behaviours and implications for cardiac rehabilitation: A review

Introduction:

The Muslim population worldwide have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease than that of the non-Muslim population, and this may become exaggerated during the religious observances of Ramadan. This review assessed the evidence regarding the impact of Ramadan on lifestyle behaviours in Muslims with cardiovascular disease.

Method:

This article reviews the literature concerning the impact of Ramadan on lifestyle behaviours and its effects on cardiac rehabilitation between 2000 and 2012. Studies were identified, using Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, PsycARTICLES, Medline and CINAHL Plus. The search terms used were: ‘cardiac rehabilitation’; ‘cardiovascular disease’; ‘Ramadan’; ‘fasting’; ‘physical activity’; ‘exercise’; ‘diet’; ‘smoking’; ‘sleep’; ‘behaviour change’; ‘medication’; and ‘treatment’.

Findings:

Evidence suggests that fasting during Ramadan can have a beneficial effect on factors such as cholesterol levels, body weight and blood pressure; however, benefits are rarely sustained in the long term. Other behavioural changes such as non-adherence to medication, and diet and exercise regimes have more negative consequences for sufferers of cardiac disease.

Conclusions:

Lifestyle behaviours adopted during Ramadan can have a negative impact on cardiovascular disease. Health professionals are urged to find innovative ways to engage this population in healthy lifestyle choices throughout this period.