Cardiovascular and Blood Glucose Adaptation during Ramadan Fasting among Different Weight Status Subjects

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the metabolic adaptation to Ramadan fasting among different weight status population. Methods: Forty-six subjects were recruited in this prospective longitudinal study involving normal (n=19), overweight (n=18), and obese (n=9) males and females. The values of body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, lean mass and etc. Blood pressure and heart rate were then measured before approximately 5.0 mL of fasting venous blood was withdrawn to obtain blood serum. Biochemical analysis was then conducted to determine serum glucose level. All the procedures were done on four points of time; before fasting, week 1, week 2, and a month after fasting. Results: Normal subjects showed significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (p<0.05), while overweight and obese subjects showed significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure after Ramadan (p<0.05). Ramadan fasting does not change heart rate. Serum glucose levels were reduced in normal and overweight subjects (p<0.05). Conclusions: Ramadan fasting gives benefits to normal, overweight and obese subjects in term of reduction of blood pressure and blood glucose level.