ABSTRACT
The prevalence of diabetes in the UAE is increasing. UAE is a multicultural country where Islam is the dominant religion. During the month of Ramadan, al Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Consumption of food and drink and sexual activities are prohibited during the daylight hours. Sick and individuals and those who have to travel are exempted from fasting, although many diabetic Muslim patients yet fast. To compare the effects of fasting during the month of Ramadan on patients with diabetes mellitus and normal subjects. A cross sectional survey was done on 50 diabetic and 50 non-diabetic individuals who fasted during the month of Ramadan in 2010. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 18.0. Chi square was done to test for associations. Changes in lifestyle such as smoking, sleeping, pattern, physical activity and diet were similar in diabetic and non diabetic subjects during the month of Ramada. However, significantly high proportion of diabetic patients broke their fast due to hunger/ thirst [34.0%], dizziness/ confusion [30.0%], tremors [26.0%], and profuse sweating [26.0%]. 44.0% of the diabetic patients felt that their energy levels had decreased. Excessive urination at night was one of the most common symptoms experienced by diabetic patients after Iftar. 63.3% Diabetic patients felt more active after fasting for a period of 10 days. There were no major lifestyle modifications in the two groups and the difficulties faced during day and night were more in diabetic patients when compared to normal subjects. Although the study showed some significant findings they cannot be generalized due to the small sample size