Objective: To evaluate the awareness among the Muslim diabetic patients regarding the fasting in the month of Ramadan.
Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 312 Muslim diabetic patients of either gender, aged 18 years or above from July 2019 to January 2020 at OPD of NIDE, DUHS. Demographical and clinical data were included. A validated questionnaire comprising of 15 questions was used in face-to-face interview.
Results: A total 312 Muslim diabetic patients were included in this study. The lack of awareness was found in areas about the ‘Pre-Ramadan Physician consultation, as 189(60.6%) never consulted any physician before Ramadan. Misconception about the skipping dose of insulin and oral glucose lowering agents at sehri (due to the fear of hypoglycemia) were seen in 179(57.4%) and 200(64%), respectively. Majority (n=180, 57.7%) were not clear in their minds about the physical activity during Ramadan. A noticeable number of patients (n=184, 59%) patients did not have knowledge about the blood glucose levels at which one should break the fast. Satisfactory awareness about needle prick during fast were seen in 68.3%, to take correct dose of insulin injection and oral glucose lowering agents after iftar in 51% and 57.1%, respectively. Right concepts about diet were found in 93.3 and 95.2% during sehri and iftar, respectively.
Conclusion: We found lack of awareness and misconception among Muslim diabetic patients about the fasting in Ramadan.
Key words: Awareness, diabetes mellitus, fasting, muslim, Ramadan.
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