Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Pregnancy is a state of increased insulin resistance and insulin secretion and reduced hepatic extraction of insulin; thus fasting during pregnancy seems to cause a high risk of morbidity and mortality for the fetus and its mother. This group of diabetic patients is exempt from fasting. However, for young patients or not, Ramadan is accompanied by a change in lifestyle in particular a change in eating habits as well as a disruption of the sleep cycle and a decrease in physical activity, directly influencing the glycemic balance during this holy month.

Objective: To assess the impact of lifestyle changes during the month of Ramadan on glycemic control by assessing dietary habits, sleep quality, and physical activity during this month.

Patients and Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted at the Endocrinology-Diabetology Department of the CHU Ibn Rochd – Casablanca, in patients hospitalized or followed in consultation for diabetic pregnancy; carried out during the month of Ramadan 2022.

Results: Our study included 41 patients, of whom 66% had gestational diabetes, 10% were type 1 diabetics, and 24% had type 2 diabetes. The average age of the participants was 30 years and the average age of their pregnancy was 28 weeks. at the time of carrying out the study. 5 patients (12%) decided to fast and the median number of fasting days was 21 days. The total daily caloric intake before the month of Ramadan was 2302 Kcal with an average carbohydrate intake of 41%, 25% lipids, and 20% protein. While during the month of Ramadan, the average caloric intake was 2503 Kcal/d, with an average intake of carbohydrates of 49%, lipids of 32%, and proteins of 14%. Moderate physical activity was practiced in 30% of patients, while 63% of patients were sedentary. Weight gain was noted in 70% of our parturients with an average of 3 kg in 1 month. Sleep quality was impaired in 70% of patients, as was sleep quantity in 90% of parturients with less than 7 hours of continuous sleep.

Conclusion: The Ramadan period has an effect on the diet with an increase in the consumption of fast sugars and lipids as well as a reduction in physical activity and an alteration in the quality and quantity of sleep.