Changes in serum lipids and electrolytes in type II Diabetes mellitus during Ramadan

ABSTRACT

Our objectives were to study the effect of 1 month of religious fasting [Ramadan] on serum lipids and electrolyte profiles in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] in the outpatient department in a teaching district general hospital in North Jordan. We found that blood glucose and total cholesterol levels did not change significantly during Ramadan compared with the pre-fasting period [mean decrease of 0.33mmol/l and 0.23 mmol/l respectively]. However, a statistically significant decrease in serum triglycerides and increase in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL cholesterol] occurred during the same period [mean of 0.49 mmol/l and 0.13 mmol/l respectively]. Serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL cholesterol] decreased in the same period [mean of 0.16 mmol/l]. Serum sodium and potassium showed insignificant changes during the fasting month [mean of 1.6 mmol/l and 0.1 mmol/l respectively]. Thus fasting for 1 month [Ramadan] affects NIDDM patients, serum HDL and LDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides favourably. The favourable changes in serum HDL and LDL cholesterol were observed up to 4 weeks after fasting. No significant changes in serum glucose total cholesterol sodium and potassium occurred during the same period