Aim: This study aimed to determine the approaches of family physicians in Turkey on the fasting of diabetic patients and whether they use international treatment guidelines when making recommendations. In addition, this study aimed to increase the awareness of family physicians on this issue before Ramadan, which is the fasting month. Material and Method: The study herein comprised cross-sectional observational research. Before Ramadan 2018, a structured questionnaire form, which was unique to this study, was prepared by considering the guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), through platforms where family physicians gathered via social media and mail groups, and sent to the family physicians in Turkey via a link created using an electronic questionnaire preparation and application program. Moreover, the total knowledge level, attitude, and approach score were calculated through the questions prepared from the relevant guidelines. Results: Participating in the survey were 262 family physicians. Only 22% of family physicians said that they were aware that there were international guidelines for Ramadan and diabetes management, and only 10% said that they had read the relevant guidelines. The mean knowledge level, attitude, and approach scores were found to be lower than expected, and a significant difference was found between their scores and their academic titles. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge of international guidelines on the subject and lack of knowledge and experience about diabetes mellitus patient management in the fasting month stood out as the biggest problems. This study revealed that the awareness and competence of family physicians in disease management should be increased in addition to fasting before, during, and after Ramadan in diabetic patients.
