Title : Dietary guidelines and meal planning for the diabetic patient during ramadan
Abstract:
According to the NCD Survey 2021, in Mauritius 20% of the 1.3 million people suffers from Type 2 diabetes. This represents at least one diabetic or pre-diabetic person in every Mauritian household. The aim of this study is to raise awareness among diabetic patients on how to plan their meals for a good glycaemic control, especially among those who fast for the month of Ramadan. Fasting can cause both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients if they do not know what to eat during Ramadan. The study was conducted among 300 diabetic patients, both males and females equally, aged between 25-65 years old via an anonymous, survey-based questionnaire. Amongst other data, blood test results which included fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were recorded for each patient. The study showed that patients who followed the Ramadan healthy meal plan showed better fasting blood glucose readings and HbA1c results, as opposed to those who did not follow the meal plan. Positive health outcomes such as healthy weight loss and good glycaemic control were also observed among obese and overweight diabetic patients. Consequently, if diabetic patients follow the dietary guidelines given by a dietitian, together with medications prescribed by their treating diabetologist, they can safely fast for Ramadan, without falling into either hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
