Effectiveness of Focused Tele-education in Reducing Diabetes Complications During Ramadan

Introduction Diabetes is a global emergency with detrimental clinical and financial consequences. Poorly managed diabetes leads to a myriad of serious complications, especially cardiovascular and infectious complications, with consequent increased cost and mortality rate. For Muslims in particular, the annual fasting month of Ramadan is one such period when diabetes control is essential. Adequate adjustments in diabetes management need to be made in line with the allowed mealtimes to avoid the risk of diabetes complications during Ramadan.

Objective Investigators aim to investigate the effectiveness of Ramadan-focused structured diabetes tele-education to reduce diabetes complications during Ramadan fasting for Muslims with diabetes in South East Asia.

Methodology In a parallel group randomized controlled trial, investigators aim to recruit 300 adults with diabetes who are able to fast at least 15 days in Ramadan. You will be randomized to the intervention group comprising of a Ramadan-focused structured diabetes tele-education and control group receiving standard care. You will be reviewed again after Ramadan. The primary outcome is the incidence of hypoglycemia in Ramadan. The secondary outcomes are incidence of other diabetes complications in Ramadan episodes including hyperglycemia, episodes of acute infections, attendances in clinic and emergency department, hospital admissions, and compliance to recommendations for diabetes management during Ramadan.

Clinical Significance The study enables investigators to evaluate Ramadan-focused structured diabetes tele-education to reduce the risk of diabetes complications for a large population during the fasting month.