Fasting of Ramadan in Peoples with Diabetes in Benghazi; Libya: an Exploratory Study

Background: The epidemiology of diabetes and Ramadan fasting was reported from many Muslim countries; but not from Libya. Methodology: We interviewed 493 consecutive diabetic patients at Benghazi Diabetes and Endocrine Center for the potential complications of fasting during Ramadan. Results: We found 70of diabetic patients completed the 30 days of Ramadan fasting. Hypo- and hyperglycemia was the most commonly reported complications especially during the first two weeks of Ramadan month. Conclusion: It seems majority of diabetic patients in Libya manage to fast during Ramadan month. Patient education and early planned adjustment of diabetic medication is needed to decrease the frequency of diabetic complication during Ramadan month

Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Benghazi- Libya: a Retrospective study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age and characterized by chronic anovulation; hyperan- drogenism; and polycystic ovaries. There are no published data on this syndrome in Libyan patients. Aims and objectives: To assess the frequency of clinical and biochemical features of PCOS in our patient population; and to compare this with data collected in other parts of the world. Subjects and methods: A retrospective analysis of patient records at the endocrine clinic in Benghazi was undertaken. Patient inclusion was according to Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria. Clinical features; associated diseases; family history; hormone levels; and ultrasonography results were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the 318 PCOS patients at presentation was 25.8 years (range 15-44 years); and the majority (67) were 20-29 years old at presentation. Of all patients; 57were obese (BMI = 30); 93had oligo- / amenorrhea; 91were hirsute; and 74had ultrasound features of polycystic ovaries. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 9of all PCOS patients and hypertension in 4. Total serum testosterone was elevated in 26of the patients; and serum prolactin was elevated in 31. Thyroid disease was noted among 5.3of the patients; and a history of diabetes or hypertension among first-degree relatives was seen in (16) and (8) of the patients respectively. Conclusion: Chronic anovulation and hirsutism are the dominant features of PCOS in our patient population. More than half were obese; and the prevalence of diabetes; hypertension and thyroid disease in our patients seemed to be underestimated in comparison to other parts of the world

Metabolic Syndrome among Type-2 Diabetic Patients in Benghazi-Libya: a pilot study

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of three out of five conditions that are due to hyperinsulinemia: abdominal obesity; atherogenic dyslipidemia (high triglycerides and/or low HDL); elevated blood pressure; and elevated plasma glucose. The syndrome is highly prevalent in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and often precedes the onset of hyperglycemia. It has been shown that metabolic syndrome is an independent clinical indicator of macro- and microvascular complications in diabetics. Aim and objectives: the aim of this pilot study was to estimate the frequency and characteristics of metabolic syndrome among type-2 diabetic patients in Benghazi. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study involved 99 randomly selected adult patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. The patients were interviewed and examined; and their lipid profiles were checked 9-12 hours after overnight fasting. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results: About 92of the patients had the metabolic syndrome according to ATP III criteria and 80.8according to IDF criteria. Females were more affected; males with metabolic syndrome were significantly older; and females were significantly more obese. No significant difference was observed between males and females regarding waist circumference; HDL level and triglyceride level. The commonest and most important component of metabolic syndrome in the study group was low HDL. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is common among Libyans with type-2 diabetes mellitus; and it is significantly more common in females than males. The most significant predictor of metabolic syndrome in type-2 diabetic patients in Benghazi is low HDL