Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the awareness among the
Muslim diabetic patients regarding the fasting in the
month of Ramadan.
Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study
was conducted on 312 Muslim diabetic patients of
either gender, aged 18 years or above from July 2019
to January 2020 at OPD of NIDE, DUHS.
Demographical and clinical data were included. A
validated questionnaire comprising of 15 questions
was used in face-to-face interview.
Results: A total 312 Muslim diabetic patients were
included in this study. The lack of awareness was
found in areas about the „Pre-Ramadan Physician
consultation, as 189 (60.6%) never consulted any
physician before Ramadan. Misconception about the
skipping dose of insulin and oral glucose lowering
agents at sehri (due to the fear of hypoglycemia) were
seen in 179 (57.4%) and 200 (64%), respectively.
Majority (n = 180, 57.7%) were not clear in their
minds about the physical activity during Ramadan. A
noticeable number of patients (n = 184, 59%) patients
did not have knowledge about the blood glucose levels
at which one should break the fast. Satisfactory
awareness about needle prick during fast were seen in
68.3%, to take correct dose of insulin injection and
oral glucose lowering agents after iftar in 51% and
57.1%, respectively. Right concepts about diet were
found in 93.3 and 95.2% during sehri and iftar,
respectively.
Conclusion: We found lack of awareness and
misconception among Muslim diabetic patients about
the fasting in Ramadan.
Keywords: Awareness, diabetes mellitus, fasting,
muslim, Ramadan.
