Psychological Effects of Fasting on Patients Suffering from Diabetes Type 2

Abstract

Objective: We conducted this study to compare the psychological effects between diabetic patients taking fast and non-fasting counterparts to better investigate the effects of fasting on mental health of diabetes sufferers.

Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective cohort conducted among diabetic patients. In this study, two types of fasting and non-fasting patients were invited to take part. During One week before and after the Ramadan, all patients were asked to complete 28-scale General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

Results: In this study, 116 patients who were suffering from diabetes completed the study. They were compared with each other in format of three groups (two fasting and one non-fasting). Mean changes of total and subscales' score were negative in nearly all groups but there were no significant difference between groups. In addition, total and subscale A, B and C scores significantly increased (positive change) but subscale D score didn’t change in fasting patients during this month.

Conclusion: The results of present study revealed that fasting during the whole month of Ramadan can exacerbate patients' general health in comparison with non-fasting patients. However, because we can't determine whether this finding is attributed to fasting regardless of diabetes or has been resulted from the co-existence of fasting and the disease, it is recommended to design a study to compare diabetic and healthy fasting individuals.