Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. The diabetic subject, whether he practices it or not, if not prepared expose him to acute complications. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of acute complications during the month of Ramadan.

Objectives: To establish the epidemiological profile of diabetics seen in the emergency room during the month of Ramadan. Determine the frequency of occurrence of acute metabolic complications during this month.

Material and methodology: Descriptive observational study, conducted from April 13 to May 12, 2021, including 150 diabetic patients admitted to the emergency room of the Ibn Rochd UTH in Casablanca, for an acute metabolic complication during this sacred month.

Results: The mean age was 44.6 years (18-78). A female predominance with an M/F sex ratio of 2.22. T2DM was the majority (70%), the average duration of diabetes was 12 years (1-20), fasting was practiced by 44% of patients, including 9% of elderly subjects, degenerative complications of diabetes were present in 10% of patients, diabetic retinopathy was predominant (67%). Diabetic ketosis was the main reason for admission (57%), the frequency of hypoglycaemia remained low (2%). The mean HbA1c level was 12.4% (8.2-15.3), 64% of patients were on insulin. Forgetfulness of treatment was found in 51% of patients. Before Ramadan, 52% of T1DM patients and 64% of T2DM patients had not discussed with their healthcare professional, among them 93% of these T1DM patients (P=0.0015) and 50% of these T2D patients (P=0. 07), presented an acute complication.

Conclsion: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, if authorized in balanced patients, must be interrupted if diabetes is unbalanced. Therapeutic education and appropriate medical care are necessary to avoid acute complications.