Muslims with non-insulin dependent diabetes fasting during Ramadan: treatment with glibenclamide

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of two glibenclamide regimens in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes who were fasting during Ramadan and regular glibenclamide treatment in the non-fasting group.

Design: Non-randomised control group of patients who did not fast during Ramadan and two groups of patients who fasted randomised equally to one of two regimens: to take their usual morning dose of glibenclamide in the evening and their usual evening dose before dawn; or to follow this pattern but to reduce the total dose by a quarter.

Setting: Two university hospitals, one private hospital, and two private clinics in Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco.

Subjects: 591 diabetic patients (198 men, 391 women, two unspecified) with similar duration of diabetes and length and amount of glibenclamide treatment, of whom 542 completed the study.

Main outcome measures: Serum fructosamine and total glycated haemoglobin concentrations and number of hypoglycaemic events.

Results: At the end of Ramadan there were no significant differences between the groups in fructosamine concentration (400 mumol/l in controls and 381 mumol/l and 376 mumol/l in the fasting groups); percentage of glycated haemoglobin (14.7%, 14.0%, and 13.6%); or number of hypoglycaemic events during Ramadan (11, 14, and 10).

Conclusion: Glibenclamide is effective and safe for patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes who fast during Ramadan. The easiest regimen is to take the normal morning dose (together with any midday dose) at sunset and any evening dose before dawn.