2565

 

RAMADAN FAST AND DIABETIC CONTROL IN ADOLESCENTS

Abusrewil S, Turki H, Kabouka M, Abushofa U.

Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Department, Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, Libya

 

106 Diabetic Adolescents were studied, (56 were females, and 50 were males). Their mean age was 19 years (range 13-23 years). The mean duration of diabetes was 7.3 years (range 6 months-12 years). The insulin dose during Ramadan was 0.7 unit/kg/day, divided into two doses, 3/4  of the dose was at evening before breakfast, and 1/4 of the dose was given at the dawn before the early morning meal. The two insulin doses was giving as 50/50 Soluble/NPH.

92 diabetic adolescents have complete their fast for 30 days with no interruption. 14 diabetic adolescents broke their fast for 1-8 days. The mean HbAlc level before starting Ramadan was 11% (range 6-18%). The mean HbAlc level after end of fasting was 10% (range 6-17%). 21 diabetic adolescents had no change in HbAlc level after Ramadan, 46 diabetic adolescents had a decrease in HB Alc level after Ramadan, and 39 diabetic adolescents had an increase in HbAlc level after Ramadan.

Diabetic adolescents can fast quite safely in the presence of good education and supervision, and gives modified insulin regimen as mentioned above.