HANDMADE GINGER PILLS FOR DIABETES MELLITUS MANAGEMENT , A PHASE 2 TRIAL IN YAOUNDE CAMEROON

ackground

Effects of plants on glucose metabolism have been highlighted and are of particular interest in Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Zingiber Officinale (ZO) for instance, is a plant widely used as a spice, known for its hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic virtues. However, few studies were conducted in humans, and none have used reference methods for assessing glucose metabolism. The study aims to evaluate the effect of ginger extracts supplementation on diabetes mellitus patients metabolic profile.

Aim

 Based on a Phase II trial model, we conducted a non-randomized single arm trial study on 10 T2DM patients. During 24 days, patients were given 2grs ginger pills. Data as Blood pressure, anthropometric data, Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Plasma Glucose, HbA1c, and Lipid.

Results

 We found a significant improve of insulin sensitivity 30.85% (p = 0.008). Plasma glucose Area under the curve varied from (5.1[0.77 – 13.72]) to (0.60[-5.85 – 4.87] g/l/120 min )(p = 0.139). There was a non-significant decrease after intervention of triglycerides from 1.64 [1.47-2.22] mmol/l to1.26 [0.91-1.84] mmol/l; and LDL cholesterol from 3.92 [3.07-5.07] mmol/l to 2.48 [1.45-4.03] mmol/l , p˃0.05. There was also a non-significant increase of HDL cholesterol (from 1.26[0.81-1. 90] mmol/l to 1.96 [1.63-2. 18] mmol/l ; p˃0.05). We observed mild hypoglycemia in two patients. Hepatic and renal functions were normal before and after intervention for all patients.

Conclusion

Ginger pills had beneficial metabolic effects on insulin sensitivity, glycemic, and lipid profiles after eight weeks of supplementation to T2DM patients. Hence, it might be useful as add-on therapy in the management of T2DM.

Key words:   Ginger pills, Insulin Sensitivity, Lipid Profile, Glycemic Profile.