EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON ANTHROPOMETRIC, HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMTERS OF TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS - A STUDY ON INDIAN MALE DIABETIC PATIENTS.

Ramadan fasting is an excellent example of intermittent fasting. During Ramadan not only the food intake but the sleep pattern also alters. In spite of the exemption by the Islamic law many of the type 2 diabetic patients observe Ramadan fasting every year. The sudden change in the lifestyle which includes the change in eating and sleeping pattern can affect the various metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients. The present study evaluated the anthropometric, hematological and biochemical parameters of type 2 diabetic males before and at the end of Ramadan fasting month. There was a significant reduction in the body weight, but blood pressure, total WBC count, total RBC count, hemoglobin, platelet count, fasting blood glucose, post prandial blood glucose, and HbA1c did not altered after Ramadan fasting. Total cholesterol remained unchanged while HDL increased at the end of Ramadan fasting. Triglycerides, LDL and VLDL decreased after Ramadan fasting. Renal function was affected by a significant increase in urea, creatinine and uric acid but was within physiological range. Total and direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT and AST did not altered during Ramadan fasting but there was a significant increase in the ALP. In conclusion observing Ramadan fasting does not harmfully affect type 2 diabetic patients.