Study of Beneficial Impact on Specific Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes During Ramadan Fasting (Unintentional Intermittent Fasting).

BACKGROUND:Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as it accounts for one of the five pillars of the religion Islam. We speculate the fasts observed during the month of Ramadan to be unintentional intermittent fasts, which may have health benefits. OBJECTIVE:The study was attempted to know the alterations in biomarkers viz. body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), serum glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) due to Ramadan IF on type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients of western India. METHODS:A total 50 patients of T2D were selected for above-mentioned biomarkers assessment immediately before the starting of fast followed by after 45 days. RESULTS:The present results indicated the beneficial impact on intermittent fasting among patients (baseline versus followed up) by detecting the alterations of above-mentioned biomarkers. In overall results (n=50), the BW (Kg) and BMI (Kg/m2) values were significantly (P<0.001) decreased in followed-up patients (76.06 ± 15.41 and 27.45 ± 5.06) when compared to baseline value (77.26 ± 15.53 and 27.90 ± 5.11) while the level of HbA1c (mmol/mol) was also significantly (P<0.05) decreased in followed-up patients (7.62 ± 0.99) when compared to baseline value (7.90 ± 1.24). But no significant changes in the values of SBP and DBP were observed. CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, this observational study revealed the reduction of body weight, BMI and serum HbA1c levels probably due to IF for the T2D patients during the holy month of Ramadan. Moreover, the IF can be utilized as a therapy along with other pharmacological therapies. It is suggested future research work with other important biomarkers, which can be easier for T2D therapy.