Comparative effect of Fenugreek and Cinnamon on management of newly diagnosed cases of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Clinical evidence suggests that T2DM and its complications can be prevented through regular intake of functional foods. This cost-effective way of managing T2DM in developing world might prove very beneficial. A randomized controlled trial was done to compare effects of Fenugreek and Cinnamon on treatment of newly diagnosed cases of T2 DM. Subjects were selected from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Islamabad. Study was carried out in three phases: Phase I, baseline; Phase II, after 90 days and Pahse III at end of washout period. Subjects, from both genders, were within the age range of 40-65 years. There were 26 subjects in each group. Serum levels of FPG, HbA1c, fasting insulin levels, lipid profile were measured at baseline and at the end of 2nd and 3rd phases. BMI, WC and WHR were also studied in all phases of the study. SPSS (version 22) was used for analysis. Cinnamon seemed to have more effect on both anthropometric (BMI & WC) and biochemical (FPG, HbA1c, serum Insulin, serum cholesterol, HDL & LDL) parameters, as compared to Fenugreek, which had effect on WC, FPG, HbA1c, serum cholesterol and TG only. Although, the magnitude of these effects was similar in both groups.