The Potential Utility of Aqueous Extract of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni in Adjunct with Metformin in Treating Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome have become major public health concern. There is a sharp increase in the incidence of T2DM and obesity as a result of aging, dietary habits and decreased physical activities [1]. Most diabetic patients consume sweeteners with low calories to decrease their calorie intake. Most artificial sweeteners, such as cyclamates and saccharine, are a source of high calorie sugars and are potential carcinogens [2]. The increased incidence of diabetes and obesity and the growing concern over the safety of some chemical sweeteners such as aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose, etc., have stimulated the use of natural non-calorie sweeteners [3].