Extensive clinical experience-Rational use of oral antidiabetic drugs during War Dwin, the Buddhist Lent

The Buddhist Lent (known as War Dwin in Myanmar) is a 3 lunar month long period of fasting observed by devout Buddhist during the monsoon each summer. Dietary patterns during the War Dwin pose a challenge for patients with diabetes who wish to fast, as well as for diabetes care providers who have to provide effective, yet safe therapeutic regimes. During the War Dwin, people take solid meals only from midnight to noon. Intake is limited to jaggery and from noon to midnight. This predisposes to hypoglycemia, which in turn encourages defensive snacking and leads to poor glycemic control.

This article discusses rational oral drug therapeutic options during War Dwin.

It draws from available pharmacological evidence, combined with clinical experience, to suggest possible antidiabetic regimes which combine efficacy with safety and tolerability.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v3i2.6380

Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism 2013; 3: 108-111