RAMADAN FASTING: IMPACT ON METABOLIC PROFILE, GLYCEMIC CONTROL, MEAL AND SLEEP PATTERN

Dr. Abdulazim A. Junaidi* and Dr. Mehraj Junedi

ABSTRACT

Background: Ramadan is the 9th month of the lunar calendar. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a religious obligation for all Muslims who represent 1.8 billion of the world population (24%). Ramadan fasting can be considered as a strategy for managing and improving the health of diabetic patients. Also, Ramadan fasting is not associated with any change in incidence of acute cardiac illness and the majority of cardiac patients can fast without any difficulty. Improvement in lipid profile, especially 30% to 40% increment in high-density lipoprotein.

Keywords: Ramadan, fasting, HbA1C, Glycemic control, lifestyle, diet.