Ramadan Fasting Presents Unique Diabetes Management Challenges Says Presenter at American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Congress
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While cultural considerations are part and parcel of optimal diabetes
care around the world, there is one group in particular whose disease
management requires special attention, cautioned an endocrinologist
presenting at today at the American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists 26th Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress.
Citing statistics from the CREED study in his presentation “Personalized
Diabetes Management: Cultural Considerations,” Dr. Osama Hamdy,
Director of the Inpatient Diabetes Program at Joslin Diabetes Center,
noted that 94.2 percent of Muslims with diabetes fasted for at least
half of the month during the holy month of Ramadan and two-thirds fasted
every day.
The time frame for Ramadan fasting, which includes no foods or fluids,
begins at sunrise following Suhūr (the meal consumed pre-dawn) and
concludes at sunset with Iftar, the meal served at the end of the day.
Summer fasting periods can last up to 20 hours per day and are often
undertaken in hot and humid conditions, which can further exacerbate
risks associated with the fasting, which can include hypoglycemia,
hyperglycemia, dehydration and thrombosis, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dr. Hamdy suggested that pre-Ramadan diabetes education is necessary to
avoid complications in those who insist on fasting and should focus on
six areas: risk quantification; blood glucose monitoring; fluids and
dietary advice; exercise advice; adjusting treatment regimens; and when
to break the fast. Trial fasting is also recommended to detect
hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia risk.
He further noted that very few patients with type 2 diabetes who were on
insulin could safely fast during Ramadan and thus will need adjustments
of their insulin doses and/or timings to allow for a greater number of
fasting days without acute complications.
Dr. Hamdy will discuss highlights of his presentation during a press
briefing on Thursday, May 4, at 12:30 p.m. at the AACE 26th
Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress.
About the American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists (AACE)
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) represents
more than 7,000 endocrinologists in the United States and abroad. AACE
is the largest association of clinical endocrinologists in the world. A
majority of AACE members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes and
metabolism and concentrate on the treatment of patients with endocrine
and metabolic disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders,
osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, cholesterol disorders,
hypertension and obesity. Visit our site at www.aace.com.
About the American College of Endocrinology
(ACE)
The American College of Endocrinology (ACE) is the educational and
scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
(AACE). ACE is the leader in advancing the care and prevention of
endocrine and metabolic disorders by: providing professional education
and reliable public health information; recognizing excellence in
education, research and service; promoting clinical research and
defining the future of Clinical Endocrinology. For more information,
please visit www.aace.com/college.
Contacts
American Association of Clinical
Endocrinologists
Mary Green, 407-506-2960
mgreen@aace.com
