Management of diabetes during fasting and COVID-19 – Challenges and solutions

Abstract

Introduction:

Fasting is observed as a religious custom in various forms across the globe. Among them, the Ramadan fasting is very common and widely practiced. People with diabetes observe fasting with or without obtaining medical advice. Uncontrolled diabetes appears to be a risk factor for COVID-19 infection and its poorer outcomes. Fasting during Ramadan is challenging in people with diabetes. This year, the background of COVID-19 made it difficult for both the patients and health care workers to effectively manage diabetes and its complications during Ramadan. Because of a lack of sufficient evidence, clinicians were perplexed in handling this difficult situation.

Materials and Methods:

We accessed PubMed, Google Scholar, various guidelines and other evidence-based articles to review the available current literature which deals with diabetes, Ramadan, and COVID-19.

Results:

The importance of pre-Ramadan assessment, adequate nutrition, and hydration, choosing the right therapy has been emphasized. This review tries to address the common practical challenges and relevant possible solutions for the same. Due consideration has been given to various socio-cultural practices that can influence the management of diabetes patients in the setting of Ramadan and COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

Diabetes is associated with increased severity and susceptibility to COVID-19. People with diabetes should go through systemic and structure-based management during fasting. Family physicians who deliver personalized care play a vital role in managing diabetes during this crisis period. Telemedicine is emerging as an effective mode of managing various needs of individuals.

Introduction

Religious fasting is a form of intermittent [time-restricted] fasting.[1] Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.[2] Coronavirus disease [COVID-19] caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] is a global public health issue. Diabetes tops the disease-wise COVID-19 fatality rate (DFR) with 39.4% in our country.[3] This COVID-19 pandemic poses different challenges for both patients and health care professionals [HCPs] during Ramadan. This review focusses on the possible solutions in managing diabetes during Ramadan in the background of COVID-19 for both primary and specialist-care physicians.

Background

COVID-19 is transmitted mainly by droplets and fomites.[4] India is the largest hub of COVID-19 in South Asia.[5] The fasting observed in various religions can be either periodic or during special occasions.[6] Approximately two billion Muslims observe the obligatory fasting from dawn to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.[2] Fasting can last for 11–20 hours a day depending on the latitude.[7] The Epidemiology of Diabetes and Ramadan [EPIDIAR] study and the CREED study showed that 78–94% of Muslim diabetes subjects fasted for at least 15 days.[8,9] Individuals who are ill, travelling, pregnant, or at high-risk for complications are exempted from fasting. Despite religious exemptions being available, a significant number of them continue to fast.[10]

A recent prospective study on individuals with diabetes reported that nearly 67% of them did not receive proper guidance and follow-up prior to and during the fasting period.[7] The clinicians find it challenging to provide a holistic care to individuals in special situations due to the lack of knowledge on beliefs, practices, and religious customs.[11] Hence, the physicians must be aware about various aspects of fasting and diabetes management.

Rationale Behind this Review

In 2019, nearly 463 million adults had diabetes globally, and the figure is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045.[12] The entire country went into a complete lockdown on March 24, 2020. Millions of people are forced to remain indoors.[13] Diabetes with high chances of hypo and hyperglycemia, which can be fatal is considered a risk for people fasting during Ramadan.[14] Family Physicians are the first point of contact for most of the acute illnesses including COVID-19. Clinical decision making becomes complicated in such difficult situations. As there are very few articles on this subject, this is likely to be the first guidance for primary care physicians to manage diabetes in Ramadan during the COVID-19 pandemic considering the socio-cultural issues relevant to the present scenario.

Methodology

We identified the references through searches in PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published in English from May 2000 to June 2020 using keywords such as “coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” “Diabetes,” “Ramadan,” and “Family physician.” Guidelines for the management of Diabetes in Ramadan published by the American Diabetes Association [ADA], International Diabetes Federation [IDF], International Group for Diabetes and Ramadan [IGDR], and South Asian Consensus Statement were reviewed. We also looked into the guidelines for the management of COVID-19 issued by the World Health Organization [WHO], US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and Indian Council of Medical Research [ICMR]. We also reviewed relevant references cited in the retrieved articles and personal files of the authors. The final reference list was compiled based on the relevance of the information provided.

Ramadan and Diabetes

Impact of fasting on the daily routine

Fasting during Ramadan induces a sudden change in meal times, sleep, and wakefulness patterns. The day starts early for most Muslims before dawn to have the morning meal [Suhoor]. The food consumed after the period of fasting is usually calorie-dense contributing to hyperglycemia.[11] During Ramadan, there is a paradoxical risk of excessive eating after hours of fasting. Hence, high-calorie intake with decreased physical activity may sometimes, lead to weight gain.[15]

Some might return to sleep afterward and wake up later to begin the day. Following Iftar [evening meal], many stay awake until midnight, or later. This usually leads to a reduction in rapid eye movement [REM] sleep and total sleep duration which causes an increase in glucose intolerance.[16] The change in the circadian rhythm can negate the benefits of intermittent fasting.[1] The individuals who do not receive medical advice before fasting tend to continue their routine medications and end up with recurrent hypoglycemic events. The physical activity during the day time is lesser compared to the night. There is also a prevailing misconception that monitoring the blood glucose would void the fast.[11]

Complications due to fasting

In those with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus [T1DM], fasting leads to excessive glycogen breakdown and increased gluconeogenesis along with increased ketogenesis. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [T2DM] patients also have similar risk especially if poorly controlled. Thus, the risk of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA], dehydration, and thrombosis are heightened during this period in all patients with long-standing diabetes.[17] However, hypoglycemic episodes are more common and fatal compared to hyperglycemic complications.[7]

There is evidence that the majority [90%] of the individuals observing the fast do not discontinue the fast in the background of hypoglycemia.[7] The EPIDIAR study, a landmark trial reported an increase in the incidence of severe hypoglycemia during Ramadan in people with T1DM and T2DM compared with non-Ramadan periods.[8] In T1DM, fasting seems to inhibit glucagon secretion in response to hypoglycemia, leading to subsequent hypoglycemic episodes.[17] Those with autonomic neuropathy are at a higher risk and respond inadequately to hypoglycemic episodes.[18]

Although fasting causes drastic changes in sleep patterns and dietary habits, which can lead to complications, there are a plethora of benefits [Table 1].[15,19] There are no major adverse effects of Ramadan fasting on the systemic functions provided the advice given by the physician is followed.[15]

Table 1.

Summary of the benefits of fasting[15,19]

Metabolic Benefits	Other Systemic Benefits
Reduction in plasma glucose	Increases average life expectancy and promotes psychological well-being
Increase in insulin sensitivity	Improves physical composition and function
Reduction in Low Density Lipoprotein-C, total cholesterol, and triglyceride level	Enhances cognitive functions - spatial, associative and working memory
Increase in High Density Lipoprotein-C level	Reduction in Atherosclerosis risk
	Regulation of sleep pattern and ageing
Reduction in blood pressure	Protects against cancer, diabetes, obesity
Reduction in total body weight	Delay or reverse stroke, Alzheimers disease, and Parkinsons disease
Reduction in waist circumference	Alleviates symptoms of asthma, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis.
Reduction of inflammatory marker

LDL-C: Low Density Lipoprotein-C, HDL-C: High Density Lipoprotein-C

Ramadan-Specific Diabetes Management

It is essential to individualize every patient and provide comprehensive and continuous diabetes education.[20] Pre-Ramadan assessment ideally done two months before the start of Ramadan for risk stratification[21,22,23] [Table 2], medication dose modification along with regular blood glucose monitoring has reduced the rate of hospitalization during Ramadan.[24] A pre-Ramadan assessment [Figure 1] comprising of risk stratification and quantification, identification of the type of diabetes, risk of hypoglycemia, presence of any complications or comorbidities, current medications, previous Ramadan fasting experience, and personal background is essential for all patients especially those considered to be at high-risk for complications.[21]

Table 2.

Risk stratification for people with Diabetes wishing to fast during Ramadan in the background of COVID -19 Pandemic[21,22,23]

Category	Situation
Very High	Poorly controlled patients (HbA1c >8.5%) (Average blood glucose >300 mg/dL)
Risk	Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
	History of Hypoglycemic unawareness, severe or recurrent hypoglycemia, Diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic coma in the last 3 months
	Acute illness
	Pre- existing DM in pregnancy or Gestational DM on insulin
	Immunocompromised patients [HIV, Cancer, PTB, Transplant recipients, on immunosuppressants]
	Associated co-morbidities like heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, hepatic failure, severe respiratory illness, CKD Stage 4 and 5]
	Elderly who are ill
	COVID-19 positive patients, or with history of contact or travel with COVID-19 positive patients.
High risk	Moderately controlled patients (HbA1c 7.5-8.5%) (Average blood glucose 150-300 mg/dL)
	Renal insufficiency- CKD stage 3
	Pregnant and lactating women- controlled by diet only or metformin
	Living alone on multiple insulin injections
	Autonomic neuropathy, moderate to severe micro and microvascular complications
	Members living in same premises of COVID-19 positive patient
Moderate risk	Patients with good glycemic control (HbA1c 7-7.5%)
	On insulin, oral anti-diabetes agents, GLP-1 receptor agonists
	People living in COVID-19 hotspot areas
Low risk	Well controlled patients (HbA1c <7%)
	On lifestyle modification only or monotherapy and healthy

GLP-1: Glucagon-Like-Peptide, CKD: Chronic kidney disease, DM : Diabetes mellitus, HIV : Human Immunodeficiency virus, PTB : Pulmonary tuberculosis. Adapted from: ADA 2020, IDF 2016, IGDR 2015, IDF-DAR Practical Guidelines, South Asian Consensus Guidelines, ICMR guidelines, South Asian Health Foundation Update

Figure 1.

Approach to a patient with Diabetes wishing to fast during Ramadan

The Ramadan Education and Awareness in Diabetes [READ] study showed that a structured education caused significant reduction in hypoglycemic events in people with Type 2 Diabetes.[25] Diabetes and Ramadan International Alliance have developed a web-based tool to help HCP's to provide patient-centered medical nutrition therapy during Ramadan.[21] In general, people with T1DM with a history of recurrent hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, uncontrolled diabetes, non-compliance to treatment, difficulty in monitoring and managing blood glucose levels, and brittle diabetes should strictly avoid fasting. Those who still insist on fasting must do it under close medical supervision.[26]

Self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG] is required in all those who fast. The various recommended timings to check blood glucose levels are before Suhoor, 2 hours after Suhoor, at noon, mid-afternoon, before Iftar, 2 hours after Iftar, and at any time the person feels unwell or has symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.[21] All patients should be sensitized regarding the dangers of very low and very high blood sugars, and be advised to break the fast if blood glucose is lesser than 70 mg/dL or is greater than 300 mg/dL.[23] As family physicians, the fact that SMBG during the day does not violate the fast should be communicated to the patient.

Optimal Ramadan Nutrition Plan

The goal should be to improve the glycemic control, help people with overweight or obesity to make use of the opportunity, and lose excess weight during Ramadan. Also, we should assist them in choosing a proper diet plan according to their lifestyle and exercise plan during Ramadan. We must provide education to help patients identify the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia, dehydration, and other complications.[21] An Optimal Ramadan Nutrition Plan includes a balanced diet with adequate hydration [Table 3].

Table 3.

Dietary recommendations for patients with diabetes during Ramadan fasting[21]

• Calorie requirement is 1800-2200 kcal/day for men and 1500-2000 kcal/day for women

• Divide daily calories=Suhoor (30-40%) + Iftar (40-50%) + Snacks (10-20%) once or twice between meals if necessary

• Balanced diet with 45-50% carbohydrate, 20-30% protein, <35% fat (preferably mono- and polyunsaturated), fibre 20-35 gram per day

• Adequate protein and fat ensures satiety and reduced postprandial hyperglycemia

• Include low glycemic index, high fibre foods that release energy slowly before and after fasting

• Include adequate fruit, vegetables and salads

• Minimise foods that are high in saturated fats like samosas, pakoras

• Avoid sugary desserts

• Keep hydrated whenever possible by drinking water and other non-sweetened beverages

• Avoid caffeinated and sweetened drinks

• Avoid large calorie dense meal, and take smaller meals divided into two or three

Physical Activity during Ramadan

In general, exercise improves glycemic control and lipid profile thereby lowering the cardiovascular risk. Exercise during the postprandial period in Ramadan reduces the oxidative stress and carbonyl stress, decreases mean amplitude of glucose excursion [MAGE], mean postprandial glucose excursion [MPPGE], and average plasma glucose.[27] Prayer by itself [Namaaz] involves repeated movements like bending, kneeling, bowing, and rising. One to two hours after Iftar is the daily night [Isha] prayer, followed by the special Ramadan prayer called Tarawih, which lasts for almost an hour can control post-meal hyperglycemia.

It is important to avoid hypovolemia, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia and personalize the exercise according to the daily schedule during Ramadan. No exercise should be performed in the hours before Iftar due to the risk of hypoglycemia. It is advisable to do moderate-intensity exercise modifiable to the altered pattern of eating, sleeping, and working. Strengthening and stretching exercises can be performed as per the recommendations [Table 4].[28,29] Those with a tendency for unpredictable hypoglycemic episodes or with retinopathy, nephropathy, or neuropathy should be advised regarding the glucose monitoring and limiting the exercise accordingly.[29]

Table 4.

Physical activity recommendations for patients with Diabetes during Ramadan Fasting[28,29]

Situations	Recommendations
Those on lifestyle modification	Modifying frequency and intensity of physical activity.
Type 2 Diabetes on oral medications or insulin	Avoid exercise before Iftar.
Type 1 Diabetes	Personalised decision, Avoid intense exercise.
Preferable mode of exercise	Maintain normal daily routine, walking, stationary cycling. Perform Tarawih prayers.
Exercise timing (depending on work pattern during Ramadan)	Preferably 2 hours after Iftar, after night (Isha) and after midnight (Tahajud) prayers.
General recommendations 1. Glucose monitoring needed before, during and after exercise in very high and high-risk individuals. 2. Ensure adequate hydration before and after exercise.

COVID-19 and Diabetes

Susceptibility and vulnerability of diabetes to COVID-19

Most people with COVID-19 have comorbidities, of which, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are the most prevalent.[30] Few mechanisms have been proposed that could play a role in COVID-19 infection by enhancing the susceptibility of patients with diabetes, but the conclusive association could not be established due to paucity in literature.[31,32] Imbalance in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme [ACE2] expression by COVID-19 in diabetes can lead to hyper-inflammation, cell damage, and respiratory failure.[33] COVID-19 may also cause beta-cell damage leading to insulin deficiency.[34] Dysfunctional pro-inflammatory cytokine response could be another possible cause of severe COVID-19 in diabetes.[35]

Recent evidence shows that there is a bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes.[36] Chronic hyperglycemic and inflammatory states are associated with immunosuppression and hence, diabetes patients may be at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and associated complications.[13] Compared to those with well-controlled glycemic status, poor glycemic control in patients with COVID-19 and pre-existing type 2 diabetes was shown to be associated with multi-organ damage, increased need for medical interventions, and higher mortality. In contrast, those with glycemic variability between 70 and 180 mg/dL had a significant reduction in complications.[37] However, those with prediabetes and metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease [MAFLD] are also at high risk for COVID-19 and its complications.[38] Special attention should be given to patients with fatty liver disease and obesity as they may have a marked inflammatory response including the cytokine storm.[39]

A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that diabetic patients with COVID-19 have a higher risk for Intensive care unit admission [Odds ratio (OR) 2.79] during the infection. Moreover, DM increased the risk of mortality [OR 3.21] during the infection.[40] Glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] estimation during hospitalization provides an opportunity to differentiate patients with stress hyperglycemia from those with previously undiagnosed diabetes, and to optimize their treatment regimen.[41] Inpatient hyperglycemia is an independent marker of poor outcomes during the hospital stay in patients irrespective of previous glycemic status.[42] The CORONADO [Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and Diabetes Outcomes] study revealed that a longstanding good glycemic control did not favor the COVID-19 affected patients with diabetes.[43] International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes summary of recommendations regarding COVID-19 in children with diabetes stated that children with diabetes in general, are less affected than adults[44] possibly due to a unique ACE2 plasma profile.[45] But there have been multiple reports of patients presenting to emergency services with severe DKA.[46]

Management of diabetes patients unaffected by COVID-19

Recent studies have raised concerns regarding the risks of new-onset diabetes, weight gain, and metabolic alterations in apparently healthy individuals due to the lifestyle changes which develop during home confinement or lockdown.[47] Lifestyle modification, proper patient-education, and regular follow-up improves the glycemic status and quality of life in individuals with diabetes.[48] Physical activity of a minimum of 150 minutes per week should be advised to compensate for the loss of activity due to the absence of work during the lockdown period. There are also many patient-related social concerns amidst the present lockdown which needs to be addressed [Table 5].[4,49,50]

Table 5.

Effective ways to handle social concerns[4,49,50]

Challenges	Solutions
Disruption of pharmaceutical supply	Secure stable stock of medication
Loss of access to healthcare	Virtual consultation, Volunteer help
Lonely, technologically challenged	Telephonic consultation
Fear of glycemic variation	Regular self-monitoring blood glucose
Offering Zakaat	Pre-packaged food and safe distancing
Faith-based teachings and practices	Religious leaders on digital platform
Conducting religious gatherings	WHO risk assessment tool
Ensuring safe precautions	Advocacy by religious organizations in liaison with local health authorities
Holding Prayers after approval	Social distancing at entry and exit points
	Smaller, shorter and periodic prayers
	Face mask and handwashing facility
	Personal prayer rugs
Usage of alcohol-based hand rub	Not forbidden as topical medication

In general, the ADA recommends a target HbA1c of less than 7%, pre-prandial plasma glucose levels of 80–130 mg/dL and postprandial peak glucose levels less than 180 mg/dl except in certain young individuals where lower targets are recommended if achievable without causing hypoglycemia and higher targets in elderly individuals with or without comorbidities which may predispose to hypoglycemia.[51] A more frequent SMBG will help in early recognition of any deviation from glycemic targets. In patients not affected by COVID-19, the usual medications may be continued under regular monitoring.

Management of Diabetes patients affected by COVID-19

Various glucose-lowering therapies may require dose modification during times of COVID-19 and fasting [Tables 6, 7].[28,34,44,52,53,54] As a strategy to limit the risk of repeated exposures, a non-critically ill patient may be provided a glucose meter and SMBG taught to communicate values over the phone. Alternative strategies to protect HCP's include, use of a single daily dose of basal insulin, insulin pump, or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion which can be managed remotely with Bluetooth.[52] The decision regarding target glycemic goals, drug selection, and route of insulin administration may differ among different subsets of patients [Table 8].[28,34,52] For T1DM individuals, nearly 4–6 times daily SMBG is essential. If the value is above 250 mg/dL for more than two times, urine ketones need to be checked. In case the urine ketone is positive, the patient requires to be hospitalized and managed as DKA according to the hospital or standard protocols.[28] Based on currently available evidence and recommendations, patients should continue with their antihypertensive regimens including ACE Inhibitor [ACEI], Angiotensin Receptor Blocker [ARB], and statins.[55]

Table 6.

Summary of therapeutic titration for oral anti-diabetes agents[28,34,44,52,53,54]

Glucose-lowering Therapy	Recommendation during Ramadan Fasting	Recommendation during COVID-19
Metformin	No dose modification required for OD and BD dose. For TID dosing, one dose after suhoor and remaining two doses together after Iftar.	Stop Metformin.in COVID-19 positive with severe symptoms, poor oral intake, risk of dehydration and AKI
	First line glucose lowering therapy
	Low risk of hypoglycemia
Insulin	Avoid Glibenclamide due to high risk of hypoglycemia	Dose reduction may be needed depending on blood sugar levels
Secretagogues	Glimepiride, Gliclazide can be used
	OD dose: take at Iftar
	BD dose: Iftar dose remains the same, Suhoor dose should be halved
	Repaglinide: take before meals
DPP-4 inhibitors and AGI	No dose modification required	No dose modification
	Low risk of hypoglycaemia
SGLT-2 inhibitors	No dose modification required usually	COVID -19 with severe symptoms -stop the drug. COVID -19 with no/mild symptoms -Dose modification to be considered.
	Low risk of hypoglycaemia
	Fix stable dose 4 weeks before Ramadan
Thiazolidinediones	No dose modification required	No dose modification
	Low risk of hypoglycaemia
Hydroxychloroquine (insufficient data)	Low risk of hypoglycemia but dose of concomitant drug needs to be reduced	Hypoglycemia risk (along with few drugs)

OD: Once daily, BD: Twice daily, TID: Thrice daily, AKI: Acute kidney injury, DPP4: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4, AGI: Alpha Glucosidase inhibitors, SGLT-2: Sodium Glucose co-transporter-2. Adapted from: ADA 2020, IDF 2016, IGDR 2015, IDF-DAR Practical Guidelines, South Asian Consensus Guidelines.

Table 7.

Summary of therapeutic titration for injectable therapies^{[28,34,44,52]}

Glucose-lowering therapy	Recommendation during Ramadan Fasting	Recommendation during COVID-19
GLP-1RA	•  No dose modification required	•  Dose reduction needed when poor oral intake, GI problems, dehydration, AKI, active COVID -19
	•  Low risk of hypoglycaemia
Insulin	•  High risk of hypoglycemia	•  Dose reduction may be needed, depending on blood sugar levels
	Basal insulin: Preferred initial formulation.
	OD dose: Reduce dose by 15- 30 % and take at iftar.	•  Check blood glucose regularly
	BD dose: Normal morning dose at Iftar	•  Check ketones in Type 1
	And half the evening dose at Suhoor.	Diabetes regularly
	Short, Rapid-acting insulin, Pre-mixed insulin:	•  Follow “sick day rules”
	OD dose- Take at iftar.
	BD dose- Normal morning dose at Iftar and reduce night dose by 25-50 % and take it at Suhoor.
	TID dose- Omit afternoon dose, adjust Iftar and Suhoor doses according to BG every 3 days
	Insulin Pump: Basal rate reduce dose by 20-40% in the last 3-4 hours of fasting and increase dose by 0-30% after Iftar. Bolus rate is based on carbohydrate counting and insulin sensitivity factor.

GI: Gastrointestinal, AKI: Acute kidney injury, OD: Once daily, BD: Twice daily, TID: Thrice daily, GLP-1RA : Glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist, BG: Blood glucose Adapted from: ADA 2020, IDF 2016, IGDR 2015, IDF-DAR Practical Guidelines, South Asian Consensus Guidelines.

Table 8.

Recommendations for diabetes management during COVID-19[28,34,52]

Situation	Treatment Plan
Critically ill, hospitalized	Intravenous insulin infusion [preferably] or subcutaneous basal-bolus
Non- critically ill, hospitalized	Insulin subcutaneous [preferably basal-bolus regimen]
With dehydration or	Should Stop - Diuretics, ACEI, ARB,
Acute Kidney Injury	Metformin, SGLT2i. Consider Stopping if required - Sulphonylureas, GLP1RA
Out patientse	May need dose/medication adjustment
COVID-19 positive
Out patients without	Continue usual medications - no dose adjustment needed
COVID-19
On Statins	Continue medication [Cardiovascular benefit-short and long term]
On Anti-Hypertensives	Continue medication [Insufficient evidence to stop the drug]
Therapeutic Aims
Random plasma glucose 72-180 mg/dL (in-patients) and 72-144 mg/dL (out-patients)
Premeal CBG 80-130 mg/dL
2-hour post meal CBG <180 mg/dL
HbA1c: < 7%
CGM/FGM
TIR (70-180 mg/dL): >70% (> 50% in frail and elderly)
Hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL): <4% (< 1% in frail and elderly)
General suggestions
Adequate hydration and regular blood glucose monitoring to be ensured for all.
Medical Nutrition therapy to be modified according to caloric demands during acute illness.
Diabetic self-foot examination and care, watch for any other complications

CGM: Continuous glucose monitoring, FGM: Flash glucose monitoring, TIR: Time in range

COVID-19-specific concerns in diabetes

Few concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic include the need for chemoprophylaxis, immunization against vaccine-preventable respiratory infections, the safety of Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors [SGLT-2i], and the need to change ACEI and ARB drugs.

The ICMR suggests chemoprophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine for people having a high-risk contact with COVID-19 positive patients.[56] But most of the other agencies do not recommend the same. The risk of hypoglycemia should be considered in patients with diabetes who are taking hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis. Hence, frequent monitoring and dose adjustment in medications may be required.[53,54] The usual immunization recommended for all diabetes patients should be continued and reinforced. This can prevent a high-risk hospital admission during this pandemic period and may also avoid co-infection and worsened outcomes in the case of a COVID-19 infection.

SGLT-2 inhibitors have the potential to cause dehydration, hypotension, hyponatremia, euglycemic ketoacidosis, and genital infections, particularly during fasting in summer. This can be avoided by identifying the right subset of patients before starting them on SGLT-2i, educating them regarding signs and symptoms of possible complications, and advising on adequate hydration and nutrition along with personal hygiene. Dose adjustment may be required in the background of COVID-19 and renal impairment.[57,58]

Family Physicians are frontline HCPs during this pandemic catering to a wide range of problems [Table 9].[59,60] They need to reinforce the patient regarding sick day guidelines (especially for T1DM) which may help to avoid an episode of DKA, severe hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia. During this pandemic with distressed social systems, they should consider dispensing medications for extended periods and coordinate the online drug delivery system. The decision to advise fasting cannot be made based on the age of an individual alone. Recently, in Iran, it was suggested that healthy individuals less than 65 years of age can fast with adequate safety precautions.[61] And special populations like children, pregnant, and lactating women should be advised not to fast.[23]

Table 9.

Importance of Family Physicians in Managing Diabetes during COVID-19[59,60]

• Provide cost-effective, comprehensive, continuous and holistic medical care

• Available and accessible to people during crisis

• Promote health awareness and impart good sociocultural practices

• Focus on primary prevention and control of risk factors for Diabetes

• Prevent and manage complications associated with diabetes

• Handle diabetes related emergencies

• Resolve more and refer less - reduce unnecessary burden at tertiary centres

• Involve in training the paramedics

• Assist local health authorities in policy formulation

Teleconsultation

Telephones and mobile phones are probably the preferred modes of communication for the technologically challenged patients. Face to face interaction through digital platforms can provide better satisfaction. In today's scenario, this way of consultation can be very useful and may become the default mode for future consultations.[13] Many studies have shown that telemedicine can improve HbA1c levels and other parameters related to Diabetes.[10] Tele-consultation and telemonitoring by the health care practitioner in confirmation with the laws should come in handy in managing diabetes during pandemics.

Potential areas for research

This includes safety aspect of glucose-lowering therapies during COVID-19 and fasting, the effect of COVID-19 on the quality of life in people during Ramadan, Spectrum of complications during the duo Ramadan and COVID-19 pandemic, Knowledge Attitude, and Practices of Muslims during COVID-19 and Ramadan, Association between hyperglycemia and COVID-19, Use and safety of Hydroxychloroquine in people with Diabetes affected by COVID-19, and Efficacy of digital platforms as a mode to patient consultation.

Conclusion

People with diabetes should go through a systemic and structure-based Ramadan management plan. Fasting is also observed for long hours in various other religions and communities. There is an urgent need to identify the high-risk population during the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce the disease burden. This pandemic during Ramadan is one of the most unprecedented challenges to the health and wellness of the people. The ultimate decision regarding fasting during COVID-19 should be taken by each individual as per recommendation by their treating physician. Teleconsultation is essential in dealing with the vulnerable during this crisis.

Family physicians who deliver personalized care play a vital role in the management of Diabetes. This novel review may be considered as guidance for various HCPs at primary and specialist care levels. We have put forth from experience as well as expertise. Nevertheless, there is a need for large evidence-based guidelines to provide better clarity surrounding the practice of Ramadan, Diabetes, and COVID-19. Translating the guidelines into clinical situations and practicing precision and personalized clinical medicine is the need of the hour.

Key points

1. Fasting should be recommended after risk stratification.

2. Dose modification of medications must be addressed.

3. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential.

4. The prescription must contain an appropriately modified and individualized general advice.

5. Sociocultural history is important in diabetes management.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.