Type 2 diabetes patient’s perspective on Ramadan fasting: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveWe evaluated the beliefs, experience and diabetes management strategies of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Muslim patients that chose to fast during Ramadan.Research design and methodsA semistructured focus group interview was conducted with 53 participants with T2DM. Participants were purposefully sampled and asked to share their perspective on Ramadan fasting. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.ResultsParticipants reported optimism towards fasting during Ramadan, as they believed that fasting was beneficial to their overall well-being, and a time for family bonding. Most participants made limited attempts to discuss with their doctors on the decision to fast and self-adjusted their medication based on experience and symptoms during this period. They also reported difficulty in managing their diet, due to fear of hypoglycemia and the collective social aspect of fasting.ConclusionMuslims are optimistic about their well-being when fasting during Ramadan. Many choose to fulfill their religious obligation despite being discouraged by their doctors. Collaboration with religious authorities should be explored to ensure patients receive adequate education before fasting during Ramadan.Trial registration numberNCT02189135; Results.

Fasting in Ramadan with type 1 diabetes: A dose adjustment for normal eating workshop in Kuwait

“…The results from the group discussions echo previous findings related to the interface between formal care, the impact of the family and the community, beliefs and perceptions regarding fasting, religious influence, and managing blood glucose during Ramadan (Almansour et al, ; Gaborit et al, ; Lee et al, , ; Mygind, Kristiansen, Wittrup, & Nørgaard, ; Patel et al, ; Peterson et al, ). People with diabetes have been shown to fast despite their HCP advising against the practice (Chowdhury, Khan, Lasker, & Choudhary, ), and this was confirmed by the workshop participants when relating their experiences prior to DAFNE.…”

“…Although some participants discussed the negative aspects of fasting with diabetes, many had a positive outlook post‐DAFNE. Other studies have shown that some people with diabetes view Ramadan as an opportunity to manage their blood glucose, lose weight, and become closer to God, attributing this to the influence of religion on their beliefs and perceptions (Almansour et al, ; Gaborit et al, ; Lee et al, , ; Mygind et al, ; Patel et al, ; Peterson et al, ).…”

“…A few studies exploring the beliefs of diabetes patients regarding fasting during Ramadan have been conducted (Almansour, Chaar, & Saini, 2018;Gaborit et al, 2011;Lee, Wong, Tan, Nasir, & Lee, 2017;Patel et al, 2015;Peterson, Nayda, & Hill, 2012). Although these studies and the resulting recommendations are available, they do not adequately convey the experiences of type 1 diabetes patients when fasting.…”

Ramadan fasting alters sleep behavior in type 2 diabetes patients

“…During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking from sunrise to sunset. There have been reports that Ramadan results in altered sleep patterns, as well as changes in lifestyle habits . To date, there are no studies that have examined the effects of fasting on metabolic and sleep during Ramadan in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).…”

The Investigation of Metabolic Values and Self-care Behaviors of Type 2 Diabetic Individuals with and without Fasting

“…kalitatif çalışmasında Tip 2 diyabetli bireylerin oruç tuttuklarında manevi açıdan (genel iyilik hali) kendilerini daha iyi hissettikleri ve aile bağlarını güçlendirdiklerini düşündükleri için oruç tuttuklarını ifade ettikleri belirtilmiştir. 21 Bu çalışmada Tip 2 diyabetli bireylerin yarıya yakının oruç tutmasının nedenleri olarak; %60,6'sında diyabet kronik komplikasyonlarının olmaması nedeniyle sağlıklarını iyi algılamaları ve dini görevlerini yerine getirmenin onlara huzur vermesi olduğu düşünülebilir (Tablo 1).…”