Ramadan fasting in patients with type 2 diabetes (RAFT2)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of Ramadan fasting on children and young adults with and without type 2 diabetes.
IRAS ID
270250
Contact name
Hala Elmajnoun
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
De Montfort University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 7 days
Research summary
All over the world, the incidence of diabetes has tremendously increased throughout the last decade. According to Diabetes UK, “there are more than 7,000 children and young adults under 25 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in England and Wales”. It has been proved that T2D could be reversed by a very low-calorie diet. Ramadan fasting (RF) is one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory for all healthy Muslims from puberty onwards. A considerable number of people with T2D observe the month of Ramadan even though they are exempted. Significant alterations in diet patterns during RF could have a huge impact on these patients. Therefore, this research study explores the effects of RF on the blood glucose balance on children and young adults with and without T2D aged from 12 to 24 years old. This will be examined by investigating how fasting and change in diet, sleeping patterns and physical activities during the month of Ramadan could impact several blood glucose biomarkers (blood glucose level, insulin level, cholesterol level, etc). The outcome from this study will provide evidence to whether RF is safe and good for them and it could have a potential therapeutic intervention among these individuals and decrease disease progression, or whether it's better to avoid fasting in order to prevent any risks on their health. This study is designed as a prospective, observational, cross over pilot study. The interested participants will be recruited from several locations in the UK including hospitals, diabetic clinics/centres and community centres (schools, mosques, and De Montfort University). They will be asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire, complete pictures choice questions using Carbs& Cals app and blood samples collection. These activities will be taking place at two different points of time (two visits), before and after Ramadan.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0609
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion