Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Ramadan is considered a sacred period during which Muslims practice fasting from sunset until dawn changing the rhythm of life and eating habits. The objective of this study is to evaluate diabetics diet during and after the holy month. Patients and methodsDescriptive cross-sectional study, including diabetic patients, seen during the month of Ramadan, conducted at the Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology of the CHU Ibn Rochd of Casablanca. Data collection was done by interrogation, followed by an assessment of dietary intake by a 24-hour dietary survey conducted during and after Ramadan.

Results: A total of 74 patients were included, of which 51.35% were female. The mean age was 55.9 years. All patients were type 2 diabetics with a mean duration of 13.7 years and a mean HbA1c of 9.7%. Insulin-treated patients represented 81.08%. Only 24.3% of our patients have fasted. During Ramadan, the total daily caloric intake was lower in the fasting group than in the non fasting group (1658.70 kcal/d versus 1860.41 kcal/d). Among the fasting group, carbohydrate consumption was higher than among the non-fasting group during Ramadan with respectively 52.35% versus 46.59% but fat consumption was higher among the non-fasting group. Fiber and water consumption was lower during Ramadan. The diet of the fasting group during Ramadan was inadequate while that of non-fasters was excessive in lipids, putting them at risk of complications.

Conclusion: The change in lifestyle during the month of Ramadan influences the dietary practices of diabetic patients which can lead to an inadequate diet hence the interest of a nutritional education program before Ramadan.