title: Fasting in Ramadan with an insulin pump.
abstract: A good majority of subjects with diabetes on insulin therapies observe fasting during Ramadan. The challenge for the physician and the patient is to manage diabetes without an interruption to fasting by avoiding hypoglycaemia and simultaneously ensuring that blood glucose remain at acceptable safe levels. Insulin Pumps differ from syringes and insulin pens in that it offers a variable basal rate, different type of boluses and associated calculators. The technological advances that pumps offer, help educated subjects pre-programme a reduced basal rate throughout the day. Pumps ensure avoidance of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and preserve quality of life and enhance confidence in patients during fasting. Due to multiple benefits, insulin pumps are considered the best delivery systems for insulin during the holy month of Ramadan, despite the prerequisites for its optimal output and cost concerns.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diabetes, Jothydev's Diabetes Research Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Jothydev
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kesavadev
keywords: Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Fasting, Hypoglycaemia, Infusion Pumps, External, Quality of life.