Ramadan and Diabetes: A Narrative Review and Practice Update

Abstract

Fasting in the Islamic month of Ramadan is obligatory for all sane, healthy adult Muslims. The length of the day varies significantly in temperate regions—typically lasting ≥ 18 h during peak summer in the UK. The synodic nature of the Islamic calendar means that Ramadan migrates across all four seasons over an approximately 33-year cycle. Despite valid exemptions, there is an intense desire to fast during this month, even among those who are considered to be at high risk, including many individuals with diabetes mellitus. In this review we explore the current scientific and clinical evidence on fasting in patients with diabetes mellitus, focussing on type 2 diabetes mellitus and type 1 diabetes mellitus, with brief reviews on pregnancy, pancreatic diabetes, bariatric surgery, the elderly population and current practice guidelines. We also make recommendations on the management of diabetes patients during the month of Ramadan. Many patients admit to a do-it-yourself approach to diabetes mellitus management during Ramadan, largely due to an under-appreciation of the risks and implications of the rigors of fasting on their health. Part of the issue may also lie with a healthcare professional’s perceived inability to grasp the religious sensitivities of Muslims in relation to disease management. Thus, the pre-Ramadan assessment is crucial to ensure a safe Ramadan experience. Diabetes patients can be risk-stratified from low, medium to high or very high risk during the pre-Ramadan assessment and counselled accordingly. Those who are assessed to be at high to very high risk are advised not to fast. The current COVID-19 pandemic upgrades those in the high-risk category to very high risk; hence a significant number of diabetes patients may fall under the penumbra of the ‘not to fast’ advisory. We recognize that fasting is a personal choice and if a person chooses to fast despite advice to the contrary, he/she should be adequately supported and monitored closely during Ramadan and for a brief period thereafter. Current advancements in insulin delivery and glucose monitoring technologies are useful adjuncts to strategies for supporting type 1 diabetes patients considered to be high risk as well as ‘high-risk’ type 2 patients manage their diabetes during Ramadan. Although there is a lack of formal trial data, there is sufficient evidence across the different classes of therapeutic hypoglycaemic agents in terms of safety and efficacy to enable informed decision-making and provide a breadth of therapeutic options for the patient and the healthcare professional, even if the professional advice is to abstain. Thus, Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity for patient engagement to discuss important aspects of management, to improve control in the short term during Ramadan and to help the observants understand that the metabolic gains achieved during Ramadan are also sustainable in the other months of the year by maintaining a dietary and behavioural discipline. The application of this understanding can potentially prevent long-term complications.

FormalPara Key Summary Points

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for all adult, healthy and sane Muslims.

There are proven metabolic benefits of Ramadan fasting in healthy as well as diabetes patients.

Given the propensity of acute metabolic derangements and medicine-related side-effects, patients with diabetes can be at significant health risk by fasting.

A pre-Ramadan risk stratification is crucial for diabetes patients, to guide and support the patients with informed decision-making.

High- to very high-risk patients are advised not to fast but if they choose to fast, they should be supported and monitored closely.

Pre-Ramadan assessment and education have been shown to improve the fasting experience of patients with diabetes.

There is emerging evidence that newer technologies, such as insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring and hybrid closed-loop systems, can help type 1 diabetes patients and some evidence that flash glucose monitoring can help high-risk type 2 diabetes patients, fast with fewer complications.

In the current pandemic, patients in the low- or moderate-risk category, who are exposed to patients with confirmed COVID-19, are safe to fast as long as they are asymptomatic. Those who develop symptoms whilst fasting should be advised to break the fast.

Introduction

Fasting in the Islamic month of Ramadan is obligatory for all sane, healthy adult Muslims. Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and conjugal relations between dawn and sunset for 29–30 days during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. The synodic nature of the Muslin calendar means that Ramadan occurs 10–11 days earlier each Gregorian year, migrating across all four seasons over an approximately  33-year cycle. The length of the day varies significantly in temperate regions—typically lasting ≥ 18 h during peak summer in the UK [1].

As a general rule, a person observing fasting is not allowed any form of nutrition (including via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube) and medication that involves administration via a mucosal route (i.e. oral, nasal or rectal). The use of topical, intramuscular and subcutaneous medications, such as insulin, is permitted and does not invalidate the fast [2]. It is traditional practice to have two meals over the 24-h period—Suhoor (also known as Sehri), the pre-dawn meal, and Iftaar, the sunset meal. Fasting is associated with beneficial changes to a person’s general wellbeing [3].

Ultimately the decision to fast or otherwise rests with the individual concerned. Islam permits, and indeed supports, those with appropriate ailments to terminate the fast or be exempted from fasting, the two main options being:

• Making up the missed fast when health permits them to do so—either when the illness is no longer present, such as in acute illness, or when health is not worsened by fasting at another point in time (e.g. in the winter),  in relation to chronic illness [1].

• An exemption from fasting in those whose illness will not permit them to keeping fasts indefinitely, this being replaced by a requirement to feed the poor.

Appropriate ailments that enable the above exemptions can also include old age or a condition which is stable, but which through fasting can adversely affect health or increase the risk of doing so [1, 4]. This also includes abstaining from the use of medication that increases the risk of decompensation of chronic, but stable health conditions. Arriving at such decisions is based on the premise that the ailment will worsen, or recovery will be delayed or impaired by fasting, or a substantial fear that either may occur, which in turn can be determined by prior experience of fasting with the ailment, on common knowledge that this can happen or on the advice/opinion of an appropriate healthcare professional (HCP) [5]. Similarly, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers have the option to abstain from fasting if there is any concern for, or risk to, mother or baby. Muslims are encouraged, if they have any uncertainty regarding the various dispensations, to seek counsel from a religious authority.

Despite valid exemptions, there is an intense desire to fast during this month even among those who are considered to be at high risk, such as the elderly and multimorbid, including individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) [6, 7]. Diabetes is classified into various forms of diabetes. These include the more common forms, such as type 2 (T2) diabetes, with its wide-ranging spectrums, type 1 (T1) diabetes, diabetes during pregnancy and gestational diabetes and pancreatic diabetes, and the less common forms, such as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). DM is a classic example of a condition in which individuals can be on a spectrum of disease severity, which would imply that there would be a spectrum of risk from fasting. Therefore, the religious and clinical advice being offered will have to be individualized and dependent on a multifactorial assessment of the patient. In this review we explore the current scientific and clinical evidence on fasting in patients with diabetes, focusing on T2 diabetes, T1 diabetes and guidance on pregnancy and pancreatic diabetes, as well as current practical guidelines. We also make recommendations on the management of diabetes patients during the month of Ramadan.

This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Methods

We undertook a narrative review of current literature on fasting during Ramadan for patients with diabetes. We performed a literature search of various databeses, including PubMed, Google Scholar, CiNAHL, among others using the search terms “diabetes”, “type 2 diabetes”, “Ramadan” and “fasting” in various combinations. A number of publications were retrieved, covering the spectrum from observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCT), systematic, non-systematic and thematic reviews to practice and management guidelines published by group of authors with a renowned publication history on this topic. Whilst the majority of research and focus in this review relates to T2 diabetes, other forms of diabetes, including T1 diabetes, are briefly discussed.

Physiology and Pathophysiology of Fasting and the Effects of Ramadan Fasting in Healthy Individuals

Normal Physiology

In healthy individuals, the insulin level rises in response to blood glucose levels, leading to glucose disposal by glycogen synthesis in the liver and muscle and inhibition of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis (Fig. 1). Within the first few hours of fasting, as glucose levels fall, insulin secretion is suppressed. When the plasma glucose levels fall below the physiological range (3.6–3.9 mmol/L [65–70 mg/dL]), the counterregulatory hormones glucagon and epinephrine are secreted. Hepatic glycogenolysis stimulated by glucagon and epinephrine serves to maintain blood glucose level within the physiological range. As fasting progresses, with a progressive rise in glucagon and epinephrine, glucose metabolism switches to a combination of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis whereby de novo glucose is synthesized from glycerol and amino acid residues. It takes about 12–36 h for the hepatic glycogen levels to be depleted, following which fatty acids from the adipose tissue are mobilized to form ketone bodies which serve as fuel for vital organ function, preserving glucose for utilization by the brain and erythrocytes (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1

Physiology of glucose metabolism in the fed state

Fig. 2

Physiology of fasting in a healthy individual. β-OHB Beta-hydroxybutyrate

Typically, after 12–36 h of fasting, when liver glycogen stores are depleted, a metabolic switch occurs, resulting in lipolysis and the production of free fatty acids and glycerol. Free fatty acids released into the blood stream undergo beta-oxidation in the liver to produce the ketones, beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) and acetoacetate. These are utilized by the brain, muscle cells other tissues for energy and serve to preserve lean muscle mass, improve body composition, optimize physiological function and slow ageing and disease processes [8].

Altered Physiology of Fasting in Diabetes

Depending on the subtype of diabetes, there are varying degrees of defects in insulin and glucagon secretion and insulin resistance, with the potential for serious glycaemic consequences (Fig. 3). For those with T2 diabetes at the less severe end of the spectrum, primary defects are in insulin resistance; however, with disease progression in the form of beta-cell failure and greater insulin deficiency, a phenotype closer to T1 diabetes may become more apparent [9]. Insulin resistance prolongs the time to “flip the metabolic switch”, which implies that it may take longer to generate fatty acid for energy and other metabolic benefits [8]. In early T2 diabetes, fasting or very low calorie diets and controlled fasting associated with modest weight loss can have favourable effects on the early pathophysiological components of insulin resistance and adiposity and normalize blood sugars, i.e. reverse the T2 diabetes phenotype [10, 11].

Fig. 3

Pathophysiology of fasting in diabetes patients. IF intermittent fasting, IR insulin resistance, T1DM type 1 diabetes mellitus, T2DM type 2 diabetes mellitus

However, in potentially very advanced forms of T2 diabetes and, more importantly, in T1 diabetes patients, due to absolute insulin deficiency, there is a theoretical risk of clinically significant ketogenesis and significant hyperglycaemia in the absence of exogenous insulin. In addition to this, impaired counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia along with the inability to decrease circulating insulin of exogenous origin and reduction in the adrenal and sympathetic neural tone, there is potential for severe hypoglycaemia [12]. In patients with poor control manifested by chronic hyperglycaemia, the plasma threshold for the secretion of counterregulatory hormones is elevated and is the converse of that in patients with recurrent hypoglycaemia, for example in patients who maintain tight diabetes control [13, 14]. Hyperglucagonaemia in T2 diabetes is a well-recognized contributor to hyperglycaemia by stimulating increased hepatic production, but the risk of ketoacidosis is low due to the relative presence of insulin [15, 16]. The effects of intermittent fasting on glucagon levels in T2 diabetes have not been formally studied.

A study on 56 patients using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), of which 50 patients had T2 diabetes and 6 had T1 diabetes, compared the profiles using the combined dataset between Ramadan and non-Ramadan periods and found statistically significant differences in variability at different time points in mean glucose profiles, over a 24-h period (Fig. 4). A rapid rise in glucose was observed after Iftaar, which could be explained by the high glycaemic index and quantity of the meal, timing of intake of the diabetes medications (taken just before or after a meal) and hormonal changes from prolonged fasting [17].

Fig. 4

Mean 24-h continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles derived from all patients with diabetes (n = 56) during Ramadan (Fasting) and non-Ramadan (Non-fasting) periods. The purple bars along the x-axis at the bottom of the graph depict periods when the difference between the two states is large and significant

*Reprinted from Diabetes Metab, Vol 41, Lessan et al, Glucose excursions and glycaemic control during Ramadan fasting in diabetic patients: Insights from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), pp28–36, Copyright (2015), with permission from Elsevier [17]

Metabolic Effects of Controlled and Ramadan Fasting

A wide range of metabolic benefits from Ramadan fasting has been described in the literature. The eating pattern during Ramadan fasting conforms to the definition of time restricted feeding (TRF), which is one form of intermittent fasting [8]. Intermittent fasting can be a means of “flipping the metabolic switch” that can serve to preserve lean muscle mass, improve body composition, optimize physiological function and slow ageing and disease processes [8]. A study of TRF in overweight humans showed up to a 4% weight loss over 16 weeks that was sustained for > 1 year and improvement in sleep pattern and daytime alertness [18].

Studies have shown that in the final week of Ramadan there is a reduced rate of oxygen consumption [19, 20] and lower resting heart rate [20, 21], indicating a slowing of metabolism. There is also reduced submaximal exercise oxygen consumption [21, 22] and heart rate [23]. Fuel selection at rest [19] and during submaximal exercise favours lipid oxidation [23].

Ramadan fasting has been shown to induce a significant reduction in fat percentage in overweight and obese people [24], leading to weight loss [24, 25]. Weight loss is more significant in those who fast throughout Ramadan [26]. Furthermore, a cross-sectional study investigating the impact of Ramadan fasting on inflammatory cytokines, immune biomarkers and anthropometric measurements has shown a significant reduction in interleukin 1β, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body weight and body fat percentage (at the end of the third week of Ramadan) [27].

There is growing evidence that short-term fasting can improve patient response to cancer chemotherapy, whilst providing protection from toxicity [28].

Habbal et al. studied the variations in blood pressure during the month of Ramadan in a small cohort and found that the variations are minimal [29]. Perk et al. found no change in ambulatory blood pressure before [30] and during Ramadan, while Ural et al. found no statistically significant difference between 24-h blood pressure monitoring of hypertensive patients on combination drug therapy during and 1 month after Ramadan [31].

One study reported a lower adiponectin level, elevated morning leptin levels and lowered evening growth hormone levels in Ramadan practitioners in Saudi Arabia [32]. Higher adiponectin levels are associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Conversely, another study showed increase in adiponectin at the end of Ramadan [33]. These changes may be due to changes in meal and sleeping patterns during Ramadan. There have been no studies looking at these levels in fasting diabetes patients, thus no meaningful conclusions can be drawn.

Finally, the effect of the changes in the sleep pattern as dictated by the timing of the Suhoor meal or dawn meal have been studied. Typically, Muslims wake up between 0200 and 0600 hours for the meal, depending on the geographical latitude and time of the year. After the meal they may go back to sleep or remain awake. There is possible decreased total sleep time (particularly if an afternoon or evening nap is not had), delayed sleep onset and decreased proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. There is a known medical correlation between sleep duration and insulin resistance. Circadian patterns of hormonal secretion that are generally sleep-entrenched are altered due to changes in the sleeping and eating patterns as well as by fasting. One study showed an inversion of the cortisol secretion pattern with lower morning cortisol and higher evening cortisol levels by day 7 of Ramadan, reverting to near baseline by day 21 (Fig. 5) [34].

Fig. 5

Changes in cortisol circadian rhythm during Ramadan showing a shift in the cortisol profile on day 7 and a return to near baseline (non-Ramadan) values by day 21

Epidemiological Observational Data of Diabetes Mellitus and Ramadan, and Landmark Studies

The estimated global prevalence of diabetes as of 2019 is approximately 463 million adults, which is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045 [35]. India, Egypt, Indonesia and Bangladesh are among the top ten countries with the highest prevalence of adults with diabetes—each with Muslim populations in excess of 100 million [36]. The population of Muslims across the world in 2015 was estimated at 1.8 billion, accounting for 24% of the global population; this is projected to increase to 3 billion in 2060, accounting for 31% of the world population [37]. Rapid urbanization [38], calorie-dense nutrition [39] and sedentary lifestyles contribute to excess weight, which in turn increases the risk of diabetes [40]. It is worth noting here that much of the published data are based on studies of T2 diabetes patient populations exclusively or on studies of a T2 diabetes-dominant study cohort with the results combining data on T1 diabetes patients with the main findings. Furthermore, even if T1 diabetes data are presented, there is also the possibility of misclassifying a patient on insulin therapy as having T1 diabetes, especially given the increased prevalence of obesity in Muslim populations [41]. Such confounding factors may also contribute to the findings being less accurate in the context of making specific comments on T1 diabetes and Ramadan.

The landmark Epidemiology of Diabetes and Ramadan (EPIDIAR) study found that as many as 42.8% of the 1080 patients with T1 diabetes and 78.7% of the 11,173 patients with T2 diabetes reported fasting for at least 15 days during Ramadan [7], leading to an estimation that approximately 120 million people with diabetes worldwide fast during Ramadan. Approximately half of these patients did not change their lifestyle, sleep duration, food or fluid intake and sugar intake and the majority did not alter their medications. The study revealed that fasting in Ramadan was associated with significant hypoglycaemia. It must be noted that even though the study excluded over 600 patients with T1 diabetes at screening as it was felt their diagnosis was inaccurate, of the remaining 1000+ patients, 3% were taking a sulphonylurea (SU) to manage their condition. Thus, it is possible that within the T1 diabetes cohort, there could be many more who may have T2 diabetes or another form of diabetes. Nonetheless, the results of this study highlight the challenges that patients and HCPs face in diabetes management during Ramadan and present the window of opportunity for engagement prior to and during Ramadan to make fasting a safe and healthy experience. On the back of this study, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) published their first recommendation for the management of diabetes in 2005 [42]. The publication was pioneering, and the recommendations have been widely adopted across the globe and reproduced in subsequent and more recent national and independent guidelines [43,44,45,46,47]. It is important that we acknowledge that whilst the EPIDIAR study has been fundamental in shaping guidance on fasting and Ramadan, it was conducted in the early 2000s in Asian and Middle Eastern countries where access to health services and the latest diagnostic, monitoring treatment options for diabetes were limited.

Another important international observational study, CREED, provided further insight into the management and outcomes of patients with T2 diabetes during Ramadan [6, 48]. Physicians (n = 508) across 13 countries enrolled patients with T1 diabetes, T2 diabetes or gestational diabetes in the study, and data were reported for 3250 patients with T2 diabetes. Analysis of the data revealed that 94.2% of these patients reported fasting for at least 15 days during Ramadan and that 63.6% reported fasting every day during the month, indicating that many patients considered to be at high or very high risk of adverse events still fast during Ramadan. The findings of CREED were used to update the 2010 iteration of the ADA recommendations for diabetes in Ramadan [43]. More recent updates from CREED have impacted on recent guidance [47, 48].

More recently, the DAR-MENA study (2019) showed that despite the risks associated with fasting for people with T1 diabetes, almost one-half of participants in the study fasted for the full 30 days of Ramadan with no significant change in hypoglycaemic events [49]. This prospective study is the first to describe the characteristics and care of participants with T2 diabetes during Ramadan in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area, and the results can be utilized in the development of evidence-based care to ensure the safety of participants who fast [50].

Specific Risks and Metabolic Parameters in Diabetes in Relation to Ramadan Fasting

Patients in preparation for Ramadan may make changes to their treatment of their own accord or on the advice of the HCPs. It is known that many Muslim patients do not approach their HCP with the concern that they may be advised not to fast [51]. Inadequate pre-Ramadan preparation, poor prior engagement with the HCP, baseline suboptimal control and the stress associated with fasting due to disturbances in the eating patterns, sleep–wake cycles and intercurrent illness are all factors that can adversely affect the fasting experience.

Potential risks associated with fasting and diabetes are disturbance in glycaemic control manifesting as hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and metabolic emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome (HHS), dehydration, renal impairment and hypotension and thrombosis secondary to hyperglycaemia and dehydration. Further, cardiometabolic factors such as blood pressure and lipid profiles may also be subject to influence from Ramadan fasting.

Glycaemic Control

In a meta-analysis carried out by Aydin et al., Ramadan fasting was not associated with any significant negative effects on postprandial (plasma) glucose or fructosamine levels. However, body mass index (BMI), glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) and fasting plasma glucose were significantly decreased [52].

A narrative literature review of all peer-reviewed publications looking at the health implications of Ramadan fasting was undertaken in 2018 [53]. The majority of studies reviewed suggested that under normal circumstances, Ramadan fasting was safe for persons with mild and stable medical conditions. However, the authors highlighted the need for individualized management of high-risk patients.

Hypoglycaemia

In the EPIDAR study patient cohort, severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization increased during Ramadan by 4.7-fold in patients with T1 diabetes (3–14 events/100 people/month) and by 7.5-fold in those with T2 diabetes (0.4–3 events/100 people/month) [7]. With the advent of newer antihyperglycaemic agents, such as second-generation SUs, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, insulin analogues and sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, the rates of severe and non-severe hypoglycaemia are fewer [54,55,56,57,58,59,60]. Aldawi et al. found significant increases in the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions during early Ramadan between patients on two or more antidiabetic medicines and those on SUs [61]. Earlier research also supports the greater risk of hypoglycaemia with SUs compared metformin monotherapy [62]. A number of studies have also shown the lower risk of hypoglycaemia with newer T2 diabetes therapies compared to SUs and their safety in Ramadan fasting [58, 59, 63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71].

Hyperglycaemia and Ketoacidosis

The EPIDIAR study showed that during Ramadan the rate of hospitalization for severe hyperglycaemia increased significantly from 1 to 5 events/100 people/month (p < 0.0001) in patients with T2 diabetes; for those with T1 diabetes, hospitalization for severe hyperglycaemia (with or without ketoacidosis) increased non-significantly from 5 to 16 events/100 people/month (p = 0.1635) [7, 43]. In patients with T1 diabetes, there was a non-significant increase in ketoacidosis in patients with poor control prior to Ramadan.

A number of studies examining the risk of DKA in T1 diabetes patients have found no increased risk [72,73,74,75]. An observational study by Al-Agha et al. suggests that flash glucose monitoring enabled children who wished to fast to be able to do so without experiencing severe hypoglycaemia or DKA [74]. A prospective study in T1 and T2 diabetes patients showed that active glucose monitoring, adjustment of medications, dietary counselling and patient education significantly reduced the risk of acute diabetic complications in fasting patients [76].

In patients with T2 diabetes, the risk of ketoacidosis is minimal during fasting, as demonstrated by a retrospective analysis of records of T1/T2 diabetes patients [77, 78] and prospective observational studies undertaken in patients with T2 diabetes [79, 80]. Earlier publications, not supported by evidence, suggested an increased risk of DKA during Ramadan. Beshyah and colleagues evaluated the validity of the perceived increased risk and the actual occurrence of DKA during fasting in Ramadan in a non-systematic, narrative review of literature and found that the risk of DKA was not increased during fasting [81]. Consequently, these authors de-emphasized the earlier proposed risk of DKA during Ramadan, creating a more balanced approach for those wishing to fast during Ramadan.

Alabbood and colleagues performed a literature review of 16 studies that had studied the effects of Ramadan fasting on glycaemic control in T1 diabetes and T2 diabetes patients [82]. Three studies in T1 diabetes/T2 diabetes combined cohorts found significant improvements in two glycaemic parameters: fructosamine and HbA_1c [17, 55, 83]. Three other studies in T1/T2 diabetes patients recorded complications, such as severe hyperglycaemia, severe hypoglycaemia (which required help from others) and DKA in insulin-dependent patients [54, 72, 76]. One study found that short-acting analogues may be advantageous pre-meal, as insulin lispro was found to be associated with lower glucose excursions 2 h post Iftaar [72]. A randomized, open-label, crossover study also found that pre-mixed preparations containing insulin lispro were superior to those containing human insulins [54]. The authors of this review suggested that Ramadan fasting can be feasible for T1 diabetes and T2 diabetes patients on insulin. CGM-enhanced insulin pump therapy and rapid-acting insulin like lispro or pre-mixed insulins containing lispro may be advantageous when compared to human-soluble or pre-mixed human insulin, respectively.

Dehydration, Thrombosis and Macrovascular Risk

Fasting in countries with hot climates and prolonged periods of fasting (≥ 18 h in countries in the temperate regions during summer) can put patients at risk of dehydration, which can be exacerbated by uncontrolled hyperglycaemia leading to osmotic diuresis. In patients with T2 diabetes, dehydration can present as low blood pressure, lethargy, syncope, haemoconcentration and hypercoagulability predisposing to thrombosis [84] and strokes [85]. Although fasting can reduce platelet sensitivity to clopidogrel in T2 diabetes, this may be related to an increase in glycaemia during Ramadan [86]. However, it has been reported that the incidence of acute cardiac illness in patients with T2 diabetes is not different during Ramadan than at other times [87].

A prospective study was conducted into the safety of Ramadan fasting in T2 diabetes patients with cardiovascular heart disease (CHD) [88]. CGM was carried out using FreeStyle Libre® monitoring devices (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA). During fasting a significant improvement was seen in HbA_1c, but a higher incidence and prolonged duration of hypoglycaemia was seen compared to non-fasting. Lipid profile, BMI, renal function and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly altered. The authors concluded that in patients with stable CHD who were receiving optimal diabetes care, no adverse cardiovascular effects were associated with Ramadan fasting.

The authors of a systematic review of the effect of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular events and risk factors in patients with T2 diabetes found insufficient evidence to link Ramadan fasting with increased or reduced incidence of cardiovascular events in people with diabetes, although there was some indication that stroke risk may be increased [89]. Findings were noted to be inconsistent in terms of risk factors, as some favoured Ramadan fasting, and others did not.

Body Weight

The effect of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric parameters was studied by Khaled and colleagues [167]. These authors reported weight loss and a decrease in calorie intake during the month of Ramadan. In a large cross-sectional study, T2 diabetes patients showed an improvement in metabolic parameters, including BMI, during fasting in Ramadan [168].

The DAR–MENA T2 diabetes trial confirmed statistically significant improvement in weight and total waist circumference in people with T2 diabetes fasting during Ramadan [50], whilst the authors of a subsequent systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that Ramadan fasting was associated with statistically significant consistent—albeit transient—reductions in weight and fat mass, especially in people who are overweight or obese [20].

Blood Pressure Control

Samad et al. found a significant drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) in normotensive males before and during Ramadan fasting [90], while Norouzy et al. found no significant difference in the trend of 24-h blood pressure monitoring before, during and after Ramadan in normotensive and hypertensive volunteers [91]. A significant reduction in both SBP and DBP was shown by Salahuddin et al. in an observational trial involving hypertensive patients on antihypertensive therapy [92]. Previous findings were discussed by Mazidi et al. in a systematic review [93], while Hassanein et al. found improvement in blood pressure (statistically significant for SBP and non-statistically significant for DBP) in a large international, multicentre, prospective, observational trial [50].

Lipid Profile

Metabolic parameters, including lipid profile, have been studied in people with diabetes fasting during Ramadan. Bouguerra et al. found a negative correlation between cholesterol intake during Ramadan and the change in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), which increased by 13% at the end of Ramadan and by 23% 3 weeks after Ramadan [94].

A progressive and significant increase in HDL-C was found by Shahab et al., in addition to a significant decrease in total triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein-cholesteral (LDL-C) but not in total cholesterol [95]. Similar findings were reported in relation to HDL-C and LDL-C by Norouzy et al. [79]. The results of the DAR–MENA T2 diabetes trial confirmed significant improvements in LDL-C and total cholesterol in people with T2 diabetes fasting in Ramadan [50].

Management

General Guidance and Risk Stratification

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) Practical Guidelines (2016) provide HCPs with relevant background information and practical recommendations, enabling them to help people with diabetes participate in fasting during Ramadan, while minimising the risk of complications [36]. The IDF–DAR Practical Guidelines adopt a three-tiered risk stratification matrix, with patients stratified to the very high- or high-risk groups being advised not to fast, and are a well-accepted stratification that can be applied for people with diabetes prior to Ramadan fasting. The guidance highlights the general consensus among religious authorities and scholars that if an individual is considered to be at high to very high risk then they should refrain from fasting [4]. A more detailed exposition pertaining to the religious obligation of fasting and practical considerations in relation to health and illness with particular consideration to diabetes has been published elsewhere by authors of this review [96]. A risk-stratification matrix adapted from IDF-DAR by the South East London Area Prescribing Committee is shown in Table 2 [97]. This matrix also includes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a risk factor in the context of the current pandemic. Further below, there is linked commentary explaining this in detail.

Diabetes patients wishing to observe the fast are advised to attend a pre-Ramadan assessment with their HCP at least 6–12 weeks before the start of Ramadan (Fig. 6). Factors to be taken into consideration during the assessment for the purpose of risk stratification are type of diabetes, ongoing diabetes treatment, degree of diabetes control, individual propensity for hypoglycaemia, competence at self-management, previous Ramadan experience, presence of diabetes complications and co-morbidities, ongoing or recent intercurrent illness, degree of frailty, level of cognition, polypharmacy burden, occupation and finally social circumstances (Table 1).

Fig. 6

Pre-Ramadan assessment and plan of care

Table 1 Factors to consider for risk stratification

After risk stratification, when the patient makes an informed decision to fast, an individualized management plan should be developed (Table 2). The decision may contradict medical advice, but patient choice should be respected, and patients should be supported by HCPs on the management of their diabetes. Key aspects to be covered during the consultation(s) in preparation for fasting are given in Table 3.

Table 2 Risk stratification for patients with diabetes

Table 3 Key aspects to cover during consultation

The current DAR guidance for patients with T1 diabetes or T2 diabetes on insulin who are classed as having a high or very risk and (strongly) advises these patients not to fast. The EPIDIAR study suggests that despite this advice from HCPs, about 40% with T1 diabetes continued to fast [5]. Findings from previous studies that have been summarized in the latest DAR guidance suggest that only half of patients receive any form of counselling or advice regarding fasting [36].

With the correct advice and support from HCPs, many people with T2 diabetes may be able to fast safely during Ramadan. Patients taking metformin, SUs or insulin will need to adjust dose and/or timings to reduce the risk of complications [97]. Guidance on dose adjustments for oral and injectable therapies, including insulin, are given in Tables 4 and 5. Newer antiglycaemic medications, including incretin-based therapies, are associated with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia and may be preferable for use during Ramadan.

Table 4 A guide to dose adjustments for people taking antidiabetic agents who fast during Ramadan (Type 2 diabetes).

Table 5 A guide to dose adjustments for people with type 2 diabetes on insulin who fast during Ramadan

Thus, to conclude a patient’s decision to fast should be made after ample discussion with his or her physician or nurse, concerning the risks involved and further discussion with a religious authority if appropriate. Patients who insist on fasting should undergo pre-Ramadan assessment and receive appropriate education and instructions related to physical activity, meal planning, glucose monitoring, and dosage and timing of medications. The management plan must be highly individualized. Patients classified as very high or high risk, including those with T1 diabetes and pregnant women with diabetes, need close medical supervision if they insist on Ramadan fasting. Further, if physicians still have reservations about their patients fasting, particularly those on insulin, particularly when the fasts are longer in the summer in temperate regions, one valid option from a religious perspective is to defer the fast to the winter when the duration is shorter and the risks of hypoglycaemia and dehydration are likely to be [1]. Similarly, another option is to consider trial fasting in the month before Ramadan—this can provide useful information to the patient to the patient as well as HCP team in arriving at a decision whether safe Ramadan fasting is achievable.

Patient Education

The CREED study showed that patients with T2 diabetes considered to be high risk or very high risk for fasting managed to fast successfully after having received structured education pre-Ramadan [48].

The Ramadan Education and Awareness in Diabetes (READ) study showed that pre-Ramadan education in patients with T2 diabetes was associated with greater weight loss and significant reduction in hypoglycaemic events [98]. Another study in T1 diabetes patients showed that adjustment of drug dosage, dietary advice, patient education and SMBG enabled patients to fast without major complications [76].

A study from Egypt looked at the benefit of diabetes self-management education in promoting safe fasting in Ramadan in people on insulin. This study included people attending Ramadan reinforcement sessions as part of the Educational Program for People with Diabetes (EPPWD) at the Ain-Shams University Diabetes Center in Cairo, Egypt. The number of hypoglycaemic events declined in these people, which advocates the use of education for fasting in patients with T2 diabetes [99].

The end of Ramadan is followed by the festival known as Eid ul-Fitr. This is usually marked with festivities, sharing of food and sweet beverages. Patients with diabetes should be advised on the risks of hyperglycaemia during this time, as many individuals overindulge in eating and drinking. When the month of Ramadan ends, the patient’s therapeutic regimen should be adjusted and may be changed back to its previous regimen.

Type 1 Diabetes: Education and Management

Most of the recent data on T1 diabetes are from small observational studies and open-label interventional studies during Ramadan and consist of a mix of adult and paediatric studies. Larger observational data from the older EPIDIAR study has several limitations, as mentioned earlier [7]. Specifically in terms of T1 diabetes, the study was conducted in MENA and Asian countries during the mid-2000s; consequently, a large proportion of people with T1 diabetes enrolled in this study were on non-analogue, biphasic insulin rather than intensive insulin therapy with insulin analogues. Also, a significant proportion of the people with T1 diabetes did not have regular HCP contact or support. What the EPIDIAR study did do was to highlight that pre-Ramadan optimization and education are needed and to point out the potential risks if these are not offered. Since its publication there have been several major advances in T1 diabetes, including structured diabetes education programmes and new diabetes technologies, both of which allow safer and improved management of T1 diabetes [100]. Subsequent observational studies using these advances have highlighted the potential benefits in terms of improved glycaemic outcomes and safer fasting with reduced hypoglycaemia risk.

Regarding the general management of T1 diabetes, the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) programme, an educational course for managing T1 diabetes, has been shown to reduce severe hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and improve the quality of life of participants [101, 102]. The importance of education is critical in being able to apply insulin therapy to challenging situations, such as exercise or shift work and dose adjusting in response to glucose data [103]. In terms of fasting, intensive education in children aged > 11 years pre-Ramadan improved their ability to complete fasting [75]. Regular monitoring and dose adjustments have been shown to minimize hypoglycaemic events and DKA [72]. Other educational approaches specifically devised for Ramadan have demonstrated benefits [104]. Further studies, described in subsequent sections of this review, demonstrate the benefits of Ramadan-specific education comined with technology use.

With the newer analogue insulins the risks of hypoglycaemia are reduced and improved PPG levels can be achieved in T1 diabetes [105]. The use of these insulins needs to be coupled with education and frequent monitoring to achieve any benefits in glycaemic control. Evidence collected during Ramadan demonstrating the advantages of analogue insulins has been examined in several studies, mainly in the paediatric and adolescent settings [106]. The consensus of opinion, as reported in one of the larger studies, is that the utility of multiple daily injections and analogue insulin can offer improvements in hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia [107].

The use of technology has provided patients with T1 diabetes with further measures of safety during Ramadan. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) via insulin pumps enables different levels of basal insulin delivery to be programmed and for smaller bolus doses, thereby allowing for flexibility in settings, such as for fasting, as well as small changes for those are insulin sensitive. A multicentre study comparing CSII with multiple dose insulin (MDI) and a recent systematic review comparing CSII with MDI/premixed insulin regimens have shown lower rates of severe hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia and ketosis with CSII [108, 109], better glucose variability and better adherence to fasting [108]. Other studies have demonstrated that patients on CSII can safely fast during Ramadan if they have adequate pre-Ramadan education [110], with minimal adverse events such as hypoglycaemia or DKA [83, 111, 112].

More recently, the widespread use of real-time glucose monitoring, in terms of both flash glucose monitoring and CGM, has offered further opportunities to reduce risks of fasting in patients with T1 diabetes by reducing fthe requency of hypoglycaemia and improving metabolic control. Coupled with education, real-time glucose monitoring can improve glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia frequency during Ramadan as compared to post-Ramadan [101, 113]. There was a mild overall improvement in glycaemic outcomes during Ramadan as compared to post-Ramadan with flash glucose monitoring [74] and pre-Ramadan with CGM [101, 113]. The linking of CGM and CSII offers further opportunities to improve safety. Using the low-glucose suspend function in CSII systems further improves the safety of fasting in adolescents and young adults [114].

Hybrid-closed loop systems offer further potential to improve safety and improve glycaemic outcomes by linking CGM and CSII to deliver insulin in an automated manner via algorithms [115, 116]. Initial experience with a commercially approved system demonstrates impressive glycaemic outcomes and parallels unpublished observations from open-source systems [116, 117].

Recent evidence and emerging data highlight the urgent need for updates in guidance on T1 diabetes and fasting given the advances in management [118]. Whilst attempts in general dose adjustments for insulin and CSII have been made [119], further work is needed to detail support strategies, education, dietary guidance and management in T1 diabetes similar to work done in other settings [103, 118].

Pharmacological management

Metformin

Metformin works by improving insulin sensitivity [120]. Therefore, the hypoglycaemia risk induced by metformin is very low. Although there are no studies that have observed the incidence of hypoglycaemia in those patients on metformin monotherapy and fasting, metformin is deemed safe to take during the month of Ramadan due to its low risk for hypoglycaemia [36].

The daily dose of metformin does not need to be altered, but some adjustments to the dosage interval are required for those on three times daily dosing. Such patients should take their lunchtime dose at Iftaar. Those on a prolonged-release formulation, which is usually taken once daily, should take their usual dose at Iftaar [45].

Acarbose

Acarbose inhibits the actions of alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the brush border of small intestines and pancreatic alpha-amylase, thus slowing down the absorption of glucose and modifying insulin secretion [121]. Like metformin, no dose adjustment of acarbose is needed during Ramadan as the risk of hypoglycaemia is low [36]. The combination of fasting-associated alteration in gut motility [122] and gut microbiota [123] can in theory, predispose a fasting individuals to the known gastrointestinal side-effects of acarbose. For patients who are prescribed acarbose three times daily, frequency can be reduced to twice daily coinciding with Suhoor and Iftaar. The dose taken with Suhoor can be reduced or even stopped during Ramadan, in view of the ensuing prolonged period of fasting.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone, lower glucose by improving glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and by reducing insulin resistance [124]. Because of the low hypoglycaemia risk, thiazolidinediones are valuable agents to use during Ramadan [44]. It is worth noting that this class of drug should be initiated 10–12 weeks before Ramadan because of its slow maximal antihyperglycaemic effect [43].

To date, only study has researched the use of thiazolidinediones during Ramadan. This double-blind randomized controlled trial on pioglitazone found that when compared to placebo, the addition of pioglitazone to the patient’s usual hypoglycaemic regimen did not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Pioglitazone also significantly improved glycaemic control during the early, mid- and post-Ramadan periods [125].

No dose adjustment of thiazolidinediones is required during Ramadan, and doses can be taken with Iftaar or Suhoor.

Insulin Secretagogues

Meglitinide

Short-acting insulin secretagogues (IS), such as the meglitinides repaglinide and nateglinide, work by increasing insulin secretion through their stimulation of the pancreatic β cells [126]. Studies examining the safety and efficacy of meglitinides and SUs for patients fasting during Ramadan are summarized in Table 6.

Table 6 Summary of evidence on the safety and efficacy of meglitinides and sulfonylureas during Ramadan

An observational study carried out in Turkey showed that there was no difference in the risk of hypoglycaemia when repaglinide, was compared to glimepiride and insulin glargine [55]. Another observational study demonstrated that there were no hypoglycaemic events when repaglinide was combined with insulin glargine [56], and similar results were seen by Anwar et al. [127], who compared repaglinide with glimepiride and found no difference in the incidence of hypoglycaemia between the two drugs.

Therefore, the short-acting duration of the meglitinides nateglinide and repaglinide make them favourable for use during Ramadan as they carry a low hypoglycaemia risk. As these agents are usually taken three times daily with main meals, their dosing will need to be adjusted during Ramadan to twice daily dosing so that they can be administered at Iftaar and Suhoor.

Sulphonylureas

Similar to the meglitinide class of oral antidiabetic agents, SUs stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells [128]. However, their mechanism is glucose independent, resulting in a higher risk of hypoglycaemia and therefore making their use during Ramadan a concern.

The timing of taking SUs during Ramadan is key to their safety and efficacy. Although we advise changing patients on modified-release (MR) preparations to standard-release ones (Table 4), in those patients for whom this cannot be done for reasons such as patient preference or practicality of administration, switching the morning MR dose to the evening can be done safely without causing excessive hypoglycaemia [129]. A recently published real-world multinational observational study has shown that MR gliclazide between 60 and 90 mg dose taken daily at Iftaar is associated with a low risk of hypoglycaemia and weight gain whilst maintaining control, in fasting patients with HbA_1c < 9% [130]. Similarly, glimepiride was associated with fewer hypoglycaemic events when the morning dose was switched to the evening at Iftaar [131].

The duration of action of SUs taken during Ramadan should be considered. The use of glibenclamide has been shown to result in more hypoglycaemic events when compared to glimepiride, gliclazide [132] or repaglinide [133]. The use of older and longer-acting agents, such as glibenclamide, should be avoided during Ramadan and the patient switched to a short-acting SU or to repaglinide [55].

The newer generation of SUs, such as glipizide, glimepiride and gliclazide, are associatged with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia and are therefore safer to take during Ramadan [134]. We recommend that patients on gliclazide should halve the morning dose and take the usual dose in the evening as Iftaar tends to be the larger meal and characterized by a higher glycaemic index. Doses of gliclazide should be switched around if patients are taking a larger dose in the morning and a smaller dose in the evening. Glipizide that is taken once daily should be taken at Iftaar during Ramadan to minimize hypoglycaemia risk.

For those on combination therapy with long-acting insulin, insulin and SU dose should be carefully titrated to minimize the risk of hypoglycaemia [135].

Insulin

Several studies have provided evidence for the use of insulin in patients with T2 diabetes who fast during Ramadan (Table 7). Rapid-acting insulin analogues, such as insulin lispro, have been shown to induce lower rates of hypoglycaemia than human insulin [136]. Long-acting insulins, such as insulin glargine, have been found to be safe as monotherapy [55] or in combination with an IS such as repaglinide [56]. However, for those on combination therapy consisting of insulin and an IS, dose titration is required to minimize the risk of hypoglycaemia [135].

Table 7 Summary of evidence for the use of insulins during Ramadan

Studies have also focussed on ensuring the safety and efficacy of pre-mixed insulins. In an observational study, premix insulin 30/70 (glargine or regular insulin) was found to be just as safe, in terms of hypoglycaemia, DKA or HHS, as long-acting insulin, provided the doses of insulin are reduced by 75% during pre-Ramadan assessment [80].

Soewondo et al. reported that use of biphasic insulin aspart was safe whilst fasting as there was a significant improvement in all glycaemic indices measured and a reduction in hypoglycaemic events compared to baseline, and no associated weight gain [137]. Other studies comparing premixed analogue insulins with human insulins have shown that premixed analogue insulins provide better average daily glucose control, especially around Iftaar time, without any increase in hypoglycaemia [54, 138]. The combinations of long-acting and premixed insulins can be used to the advantage of the fasting individual by using pre-mixed insulin with the larger meal in the day, which is usually the Iftaar, and long-acting insulin with the smaller meal, which is generally Suhoor [139]. This approach can be tailored to the individual as this pattern of eating may vary among individuals.

Second-generation insulins may offer less glycaemic variability and hypoglycaemia and hence have a potential for use in Ramadan. The combination of insulin degludec/degludec and aspart insulin (IDegAsp) has been shown to be a safe and efficacious therapy during Ramadan [64, 140]. In a recent real-world observational study, patients with T2 diabetes fasting in Ramadan who were taking insulin glargine 300 units/ml showed a low risk of severe/symptomatic hypoglycaemia and improved control [141].

The use of insulins, ranging from rapid-acting to long-acting analogues, ultra-long acting insulins and, pre-mix insulins, has been found to be safe and efficacious in Ramadan. Doses and timing should be adjusted in the pre-Ramadan assessment, and patients should be supported during Ramadan with dose titration in order to optimize their glycaemic control and thus their fasting experience.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) drugs are oral hypoglycaemic agents that block the breakdown of endogenous GLP-1, which leads to the glucose-dependent release of insulin. They thus carry a low risk of hypoglycaemia, even when the patient is in the fasting state. Patients on DPP4i are considered to be a low risk for fasting, without a need for dose titration, and a number of trials have been conducted on the safety of this class of antihyperglycaemic agents administered with or without SU during Ramadan. Gray et al. performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies conducted during Ramadan, ten of which compared DPP4i with a SU [65]. In this meta-analysis, one RCT did not show statistical difference in weight and HbA_1c, and a second study did not show statistical difference in HbA_1c. In two observational studies, sitagliptin significantly decreased the number of patients with ≥ 1 hypoglycaemic events in Ramadan [66], and vildagliptin led to significant decreases in HbA_1c and weight versus a SU [67]. DPP4i led to fewer hypoglycaemic events compared to a SU.

Overall, studies conducted to date on the use of DPP4i in fasting T2D patients in Ramadan (Table 8) demonstrate a better tolerability and adherence, low rates of hypoglycaemia, better glycaemic control and potential less weight gain compared to a SU. Patients on DPP4i do not require treatment modifications during Ramadan.

Table 8 Summary of evidence for the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors during Ramadan

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1 RA)s are drugs that mimic the function of endogenous incretin hormones and reduce blood glucose by glucose-dependent insulin release. They can also lead to reduced glucagon secretion and increased glucose uptake and can also delay gastric emptying and stimulate satiety centre by central effects [142]. GLP1 RAs are considered to represent as low risk for hypoglycaemia as monotherapy although in combination with SUs or insulin they may have the potential for hypoglycaemia [143].

Studies examining the safety and efficacy of GLP1 RAs for patients fasting during Ramadan are summarized in Table 9.

Table 9 Summary of evidence for the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists during Ramadan

A large multinational open-labelled RCT (Lira-Ramadan) examined the effect of liraglutide (n = 171) compared to SU (n = 172) in T2 diabetes patients fasting in Ramadan and showed that no patient in either group experienced severe hypoglycaemia. Those in the liraglutide group had no major hypoglycaemic events and achieved a target HBA_1c of < 7.0%, which was significantly better than those in the SU group (53.9 vs. 23.5%; p < 0.001) [68].

An RCT in the UK that compared liraglutide as monotherapy or in combination with metformin (n = 47) with SU (n = 52), showed no severe hypoglycaemia in both groups and significantly lower self-reported episodes of hypoglycaemia (≤ 3.9 mmol/L) in the liraglutide group. Further analysis 12 weeks after Ramadan showed a significant reduction in HbA_1c, weight and diastolic blood pressure in those patients on liraglutide [69].

The authors of an observational study examining the safety and efficacy of liraglutide [59] and those of an open-label parallel-group clinical trial comparing lixisenatide with SU [70] concluded that both drugs were safe and led to a reduced frequency of hypoglycaemia in Ramadan.

Given the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 analogues demonstrated by these studies (Table 9), during Ramadan fasting, we recommend that members of this class of medications be considered as options for second-line agents to optimize diabetes control.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i)s work by reducing the reabsorption of glucose through the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidneys by inhibiting the SGLT-2 receptors [144], a mechanism which can in turn lead to caloric loss with a reduction in HbA_1c as well as weight loss. There is, however, a potential for an increased risk of dehydration with the use of these medications, although recent studies have shown that this risk is not high in temperate climates [145].

Due to potential concerns regarding volume loss, dehydration and postural hypotension, Muslim doctors in the Middle East were surveyed; all of those surveyed had substantial experience with patients who fast for Ramadan. Analysis of the results revealed that most respondants felt safe prescribing SGLT-2is during Ramadan [146].

Studies examining the safety and efficacy of these medications for patients fasting during Ramadan are summarized in Table 10. The first study to be carried out, by Wan Seman et al. [71], compared the use of the SGLT-2i dapagliflozin with SU in 110 patients in Malaysia with T2 diabetes. This was an open-label study that showed a significantly reduced frequency of hypoglycaemia in the SGLT-2i arm versus the SU arm. In terms of adverse events there was non-significant increased risk of urinary tract infection and postural hypotension in patients in the the SGLT-2i arm compared to patients in the sulphonylurea arm. There was no report of DKA [71].

Table 10 Summary of evidence for sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors during Ramadan

Another non-randomized parallel-cohort, prospective observational study enrolled patients taking canagliflozin (n = 162) or any SU(n = 159) added to metformin ± DPP4i [60]. There was a near-significant (p = 0.09) reduction in the frequency of hypoglycaemia in the SGLT-2i arm versus the SU arm. However, there was a non-significant increased reporting of at least one volume depletion event in the SGLT-2i arm (9 vs. 3.8%).

Finally, a small single-centre prospective observational controlled cohort study in Singapore examining the effect of effect of SGLT-2i use on ketonaemia, blood pressure and renal function in T2 diabetes patients (n = 68) during Ramadan showed neither an increase in ketonaemia nor an increase in deterioration of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hypoglycaemia. Both groups had a similar change in weight, eGFR, sitting systolic, sitting diastolic blood pressure and plasma β-OHB level. The proportion of patients experiencing at least one hypoglycaemic event during fasting non-significantly increased in the control group and decreased in the study group [63].

Despite some concerns, studies have actually demonstrated that SGLT-2i remain a safe class of drugs during the fasting month of Ramadan. However, we would advise the usual caveats of patients being aware of sick day rules and ensuring that they are properly hydrated to minimize the risks of these drugs.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Muslims with diabetes have a high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fasting during Ramadan has been reviewed elsewhere for this patient population, but there is a concern about deterioration in renal disease in susceptible patients due to dehydration [147]. Frequent and prolonged hypoglycaemia has been reported in T2 diabetes patients with CKD stage 3 who fast during Ramadan based on FreeStyle Libre flash continuous glucose monitoring (FSL-CGM) [148]. However, there is little robust evidence available to guide clinicians, i.e. in the form of RCTs or large-scale observational studies in patients with CKD; consequently, advice may have to be guided by the duration of fasting. In equatorial countries, the duration of fasting varies little from year to year and is stable at around 12–14 h, whereas in temperate countries, the duration of fasting may vary from 8 h in the winter to 20 h in the summer. In the absence of adequate evidence, HCPs may have to give advice based on best available guidance. The IDF-DAR Ramadan and Diabetes guidelines classifies people with CKD as “High” or “Very High” risk, and hence it seems reasonable for a clinician to suggest to a person with CKD stages 3–5 that they should avoid fasting. Patients who wish to fast despite advice to the contrary, however, should be supported to do so safely. Advice to such patients will include encouragement to drink plenty of fluids during the non-fasting period—perhaps a measured amount each day, depending on fluid status—and to check electrolytes and creatinine in the middle of the fasting month to aid those with advanced CKD in deciding whether they should continue fasting. Whilst a number of studies of people on dialysis suggest that some people are able to fast, fasting amongst patients on dialysis should not be encouraged. People with stable renal transplants on stable immunosuppression, however, are probably able to fast safely providing they are monitored carefully by their transplant team before, during and after Ramadan.

Pregnancy

Although exempt, many pregnant Muslim women insist on fasting during the month of Ramadan. A large meta-analysis of 22 studies involving 31,373 pregnancies looked at outcomes of pregnancy during Ramadan [149]. Primary outcomes for this study were perinatal mortality, preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants (as defined by each study or below the tenth centile for gestational age). Secondary outcomes included stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death (the death of the mother during pregnancy or the first 6 weeks postnatally), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, congenital abnormalities, serious neonatal morbidity, birth weight (continuous variable), low birth weight (< 2500 g), very low birth weight (< 1500 g), extremely preterm birth (< 28 weeks gestation) and placental weight. Of the co-primary outcomes, only for preterm birth was there sufficient data, showing no significant effect of fasting. Data were available for some secondary outcomes, including birth weight, placental weight and low birth weight; only placental weight was significantly reduced by Ramadan [149]. However, this result was dominated by one study [150]. A small study looked at glycaemic control among pregnant women with diabetes on insulin who fasted during Ramadan and concluded that women were able to fast safely without any adverse effects on their diabetes control [151].

We therefore conclude that fasting during Ramadan while pregnant is an important personal decision and that all potential risks to mother and foetus should be explained to the mother. A more cautious stance is warranted, particularly when co-morbidities are present. Those who insist on fasting should be managed by an expert team and receive focussed education relating to self-management skills, such as modifications to diet and insulin regimens and frequent blood glucose monitoring to ensure good pregnancy outcomes. Guidance on terminating the fast and abstaining from subsequent fasts should also be clearly communicated, with emphasis that in the appropriate circumstances this is a responsible, entirely valid and indeed recommended action from a Shari’ah perspective [96].

Other Forms of Diabetes Mellitus

There is presently no evidence on the management of diabetes during Ramadan fasting for specific types of diabetes, such as monogenic diabetes syndromes, neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and MODY, diabetes secondary to pancreatic disease (cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis), medications such as glucocorticoids, human immunodeficiency virus treatment or post-transplantation diabetes mellitus, to allow for the creation of specific guidance.

Treatment is based on first principles and is determined by the clinical presentation and laboratory parameters. For example, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency may present in up to 1.8% of patients newly diagnosed with diabetes; this tends to be a more brittle form of diabetes, requiring early insulin therapy [152]. Given the rapid fluctuation in glucose control, many patients with this condition may require MDI and should be treated in Ramadan as one would treat a person with T1 diabetes. MODY affects 2% of all patients with diabetes aged ≤ 20 years [153]. With the exception of glucokinase-MODY (MODY 2), which is the mildest form of MODY, all other forms mimic T1 diabetes or T2 diabetes in terms of clinical course and complication rates and should be treated as such during Ramadan.

Newer Technologies

Newer technologies relevant and exclusive to patients with T1 diabetes has been discussed in the section “Type 1 diabetes: Education and Management”. The use of FSL-CGM in high-risk T1/T2 diabetes patients (n = 169) has been shown to aid optimization of glycaemic control without compromising weight, blood pressure or renal function [154]. The authors of this study reported a higher incidence of hypoglycaemia. Similarly, use of FSL-CGM in T2 patients with stable CHD during fasting in Ramadan showed a significant improvement in the HbA_1c and a higher incidence of prolonged hypoglycaemia, which was not associated with any adverse cardiovascular effects [88]. The limitations of these studies are that they were not controlled, the accuracy of FSL-CGM in fasting patients is not studied and there was no correlation with SMBG. We conclude that FSL-CGM may be considered in high-risk T2 diabetes patients who insist on fasting.

Post-Bariatric Patients

Bariatric surgery is being increasingly performed in patients with morbid obesity and diabetes [155]. Fasting in these patients can put them at risk of malnutrition and dehydration. Fasting has been shown to be well tolerated in patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy [156]. We conclude that this group of patients should be supported in fasting with adequate advice on nutrition, hydration and medication changes.

The Elderly

The reduced physiological reserve associated with aging can put frail elderly patients at greater risk of fasting-associated medical complications. Although elderly people with co-morbidities are stratified in the high-risk category, old age on its own is not considered to be an independent risk factor for fasting.

In elderly patients with diabetes, there is an increased prevalence of visual impairment from retinal disease, cataracts, glaucoma; gait disturbances from peripheral neuropathy, previous amputation or stroke; cardiovascular disease; cognitive dysfunction; mood disturbances; and sarcopenia [157]. All of these conditions can adversely impact the ability of an elderly person to fast safely.

Fasting can adversely affect postural control of elderly people; this is worse in those who are habitual fallers pre-Ramadan [158]. During Ramadan, there is partial sleep deprivation, which can adversely affect cognitive function, attention and memory [159].

In the pre-Ramadan risk assessment, a baseline assessment of functional capacity, mood and cognition is essential to assist the decision-making process on fasting in the elderly and for future planning. A pre-Ramadan fasting programme consisting of planned changes in mealtimes and altered sleeping habits can help the elderly adapt to the changes during Ramadan. Particular emphasis is to be laid on maintaining sleep duration by going to bed early and on avoiding unaccustomed surfaces and inadequate environments, such as wet surfaces and reduced ambient lighting, to minimize the risk of falling [158]. A review of all medications, including hypoglycaemic agents with varying hypoglycaemic potential, is essential.

COVID-19 Infection—See Commentary (https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-020-00887-x)

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background and with obesity and diabetes appear to be more at risk for adverse outcomes. The concerns and risks raised, and in particular how one should manage such patients intending to fast during Ramadan, are discussed in the commentary accompanying this review.

Conclusions

Every year millions of Muslims fast, often doing so contrary to medical advice. Many patients admit to a do-it-yourself approach to diabetes management during Ramadan, largely due to under-appreciation of the risks and implications of the rigors of fasting on their diabetes, and the effects of antihyperglycaemic agents on their blood glucose levels in the fasting state. Many patients attempt to simply endure the difficulty in controlling the blood glucose levels within a defined time period ≤ 30 days.

Part of the issue may also lie with the perceived inability of HCPs to grasp the religious sensitivities in relation to disease management when it comes to Muslims [160]. Thus, to mitigate the above, the pre-Ramadan assessment is crucial for the purpose of education, patient self-empowerment, medication adjustments and general advice, all with the aim to ensure a safe Ramadan experience. Those in the high- to very high-risk category should be closely supported by HCPs.

Although there is a conspicuous lack of RCTs, there is sufficient evidence across the different classes of agents in terms of safety and efficacy to support the patient and the HCP with informed decision-making. Ultimately, Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity for engagement between the HCP and the patient to discuss important dietary, lifestyle and medication changes, to improve their control in the short-term during Ramadan, and in the long-term, to prevent complications. If observants can sustain the metabolic gains achieved by Ramadan fasting by continuing to adhere to the dietary discipline and behavioural changes over longer periods post-Ramadan, then there is a potential for long-term health dividends, reflecting as a reduction in the risk of complications, and improvement in physical and mental health and general well-being.

Links to resources

Ramadan and Diabetes. Diabetes UK: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/ramadan.

Ramadan Rapid Review – British Islamic Medical Association: https://britishima.org/ramadan-rapid-review/.

Guidelines for healthcare professionals: diabetes and Ramadan practical guidelines. International Diabetes Federation: https://www.idf.org/our-activities/education/diabetes-and-ramadan/healthcare-professionals.html.

Guidelines for people with diabetes—International Diabetes Federation: https://www.idf.org/our-activities/education/diabetes-and-ramadan/people-living-with-diabetes.html.

‘Can I fast with diabetes during Ramadan?’. Diabetes Voice, International Diabetes Federation: https://diabetesvoice.org/en/caring-for-diabetes/can-i-fast-with-diabetes-during-ramadan/.

Ramadan and Diabetes: A guide for patients. Muslim Council Britain: http://www.mcb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Ramadan-and-diabetes-A-guide-for-patients-2013.pdf.