Diabetes mellitus and Ramadan

ABSTRACT

Eighty eight well-controlled insulin-treated diabetics in Benghazi were randomly allocated into three treatment groups during the fasting month of Ramadan. Daily-insulin doses were reduced by about 20%. Group 1 received a mixture of regular and intermediate acting [NPH or Lente] insulins [11] at the end of the days fasting [Futur]. Group II received a mixture of regular and intermediate [11] at Futur and a second dose of regular insulin [one fifth the daily dose] at the last meal before the next day's fast [Suhur]. Group III received a mixture of regular and ultralente insulins [11] at Futur and a second dose [one fifth daily dose] at Suhur. Patients in group 1 had significantly better control as compared to groups II and III [P<0.05]. No statistically significent difference could be found between groups II and III. It was concluded that, for well-controlled insulin-treated patients, mixture of regular and intermediate-acting insulins [11] at Futur [80% of the dialy dose] is the most suitable regimen tested during Ramadan