Fasting during Ramadan is feasible in patients with type 1 diabetes using an insulin pump, with adequate counseling and support.

Mothers frequently fulfill the role of primary caregiver for children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). A T1DM diagnosis has a significant impact on the child and the wider family unit. The objective is to develop understanding of mothers’ experiences caring for children diagnosed with T1DM in the cultural context of the Middle East to facilitate enhanced health service provision and support. This study used a qualitative design. Data were collected in individual semistructured interviews. Participants were mothers of Arabic descent and Muslim belief who had a child diagnosed with T1DM within the last 12 months. All mothers were registered at the health service where this research was conducted and resident in the United Arab Emirates at the time of this study. COREQ guidelines informed reporting of the research and findings. Participating mothers described initial reactions of shock and disbelief, followed by transition to near ordinary and near normal ( 85% normal) family functioning. Family, culture, and faith emerged as critical supports in the whirlwind daily challenge of balancing the multiple demands and competing needs of the newly diagnosed child and the broader family. This study is the first of its kind from countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council. The findings provide insight into the challenges and support needs of mothers caring for children newly diagnosed with T1DM in an Arab Muslim context. The findings also provide a basis for enhancing health service support and suggest themes to inform further research.

A childhood diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is a life changing event for both the child and his/her family. The impact is experienced strongly by mothers who most frequently fulfil the primary caregiver role for children12 yrs old and younger. Studies which have sought to understand mothers' experiences and perceptions of managing a child newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are mostly questionnaire-based and few, if any, explore the issues within the uniqueness of a Middle-Eastern context. The qualitative research methods described in this discussion have been designed to gain a better understanding of UAE mothers' experience in managing a child newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The intended research will provide the health service entity with the opportunity to review existing services and further enhance the service and nursing care provided to this growing clientele group.