Glycemic Management Among Adults With Type 1 Diabetes During Passover: A Pre–Post Single-center Study

Objectives

No data are available regarding glycemic management of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during Passover. Our aim in this study was to assess the effect of Passover on diabetes management and glycemic management in adults with T1D with nutritional changes during Passover (observant) compared with those who did not change their dietary habits during Passover (nonobservant).

Methods

We conducted an observational pre–post study of adults with T1D, followed in a diabetes clinic in Israel. Data were downloaded from insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring for 37 days: 2 weeks before Passover, 9 days of Passover, and 2 weeks thereafter. Differences in percentage of time spent above target (>10.0 to >13.9 mmol/L), at target (3.9 to 10.0 mmol/L), and below target (<3.9 to <3.0 mmol/L) were compared using paired t tests or paired signed rank tests.

Results

The study cohort included 43 individuals with T1D (23 observant, 20 nonobservant). The average blood glucose was significantly higher during Passover compared with the period before Passover---in nonobservant patients 8.2±1.5 mmol/L and 7.9±1.3 mmol/L (p=0.043), respectively, and in observant patients 8.7±1.6 mmol/L and 8.4±1.6 mmol/L (p=0.048), respectively. Time above range 10 to 13.9 mmol/L was increased in observant individuals during Passover, as compared with the period before Passover, at 24.9±16.2% and 20.6±12.4% (p=0.04), respectively. The dose of bolus insulin had increased significantly in observant individuals: 27.4±13.9 units during Passover, as compared with 24.2±11.2 units before Passover (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Passover alters glycemic management and insulin needs in Jewish adults with T1D. It is advisable to make specific adjustments to maintain the recommended glycemic management.