Fasting guidelines for diabetic children and adolescents
Kiswhar Azad1, Fauzia Mohsin, Abdul Hamid Zargar
1Paediatrics, BIRDEM and Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 28, 2012
Summary
Fasting during Ramadan poses risks for type 1 diabetes patients, but can be safe with proper medical supervision, education, and lifestyle adjustments. Careful planning ensures the well-being of adolescents with type 1 diabetes during Ramadan. Keywords: type 1 diabetes, Ramadan fasting, patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Islamic Studies
Background:
- Fasting during Ramadan is a religious obligation for adult and adolescent Muslims.
- Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients fasting during Ramadan face significant health risks.
- Expert opinions differ on the safety of Ramadan fasting for T1DM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and management strategies for type 1 diabetes patients, particularly adolescents, observing Ramadan fasts.
- To provide guidance for physicians and patients on mitigating risks associated with Ramadan fasting in T1DM.
Main Methods:
- Review of expert opinions and clinical recommendations regarding Ramadan fasting in T1DM.
- Identification of key safety strategies for T1DM patients during Ramadan.
- Focus on patient education, medical assessment, diet, insulin regimen modification, and glucose monitoring.
Main Results:
- Ramadan fasting can be safe for T1DM patients, including adolescents, with good glycemic control.
- Close medical supervision and adherence to specific management strategies are crucial.
- Adverse events are a significant risk without proper precautions.
Conclusions:
- Fasting during Ramadan is feasible for select type 1 diabetes patients under strict medical guidance.
- Comprehensive strategies including education, assessment, diet, insulin adjustment, and monitoring are essential for safety.
- Physician experience and patient adherence are key to successful Ramadan fasting for T1DM individuals.
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