A Snapshot of Risk Stratification of Diabetic Patients Fasting during the Month of Ramadan
Asim Hassan, Wedad Abullah Aldahasai, Shayma Abdulatif Alsalmi
3427
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To get a clinical snapshot of the diabetic patients who
planned to fast during the month of Ramadan and to determine the ability of the
RRR application to effectively risk-stratify patients.
Study Design: Observational study.
Place and Duration of
Study:
Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Armed Forces Hospital Al-Hada,
Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1st April 2018 to 31st
May 2018.
Methodology: Ninety six patients
over 15 years of age with diabetes mellitus were risk stratified using
standardized risk criteria were enrolled. Detailed analysis of the information
was performed to paint a clinical landscape of the patients who intended to
fast.
Results:
Seventy
four percent of the patients were type 2 diabetics, 11% GDM, 31% were between
60-70 years and 17 % had diabetes for more than 20 years. 17% of participants
had serious complications during the last three months before Ramadan including
hypoglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
(HHS). 59% had chronic diabetic complications. 28 % of patients were on both
insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) together and 16 % on
high risk medications. 25% of patients had an HbA1C of more than 10%.
Pertaining to the previous Ramadan experience 19% disclosed having serious
complications in the past. 6 % were categorized as low risk individuals, 76% as
moderate, 6% high and 12 % as very high risk.
Conclusions: Astonishingly all the
patients advised to refrain from fasting insisted on fasting. Considering the
latest IDF numbers the above calculated percentages would translate into very
huge numbers who are in serious jeopardy. In order to prevent serious
consequences it is highly recommends that evidence based and validated risk
stratification strategies are implemented in routine clinical practices.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus,
Fast, Hypoglycemia, High risk patients