Influence of Fasting on Emergency Visits to A Tertiary Care Hospital by Fasting Diabetic Patients in Ramadan

Abstract

Background: Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims, significantly alters daily routines and dietary habits. Understanding how such changes affect diabetic patients, particularly in terms of emergency hospital visits, is crucial for effective healthcare planning and patient safety. Objective: To evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on the frequency of emergency room visits by diabetic patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 diabetic patients visiting a tertiary care hospital's ER were monitored over three months: the month before Ramadan, during Ramadan, and the subsequent month. We assessed the frequency and trend of diabetic emergencies among these patients. Results: The participants had a mean age of 45.85±9.19 years, with males comprising 52.5% (105) and females 47.5% (95). Overall, diabetic emergencies accounted for 26% of visits, with 59.6% (31) occurring a month before Ramadan, 23.1% (12) during Ramadan, and 17.3% (9) post-Ramadan, showing a downward trend. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting does not adversely affect diabetic patients, showing no increase in the frequency of emergency visits due to diabetic emergencies, irrespective of diabetes type. This indicates that with proper management, fasting is safe for diabetic patients during Ramadan.