Comparing the effect of ladies’ finger water with fenugreek seeds water on the blood glucose level among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus-a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The primary aim of managing diabetes is to maintain blood glucose level to prevent diabetes induced complications. Studies showed that ladies finger and fenugreek seeds are blood sugar stabilizer. The objective of this randomized active controlled trial was to assess the effect of ladies finger water versus fenugreek seeds water on the blood glucose level among subject with type 2 diabetes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Total of 180 study participants were selected and equally assigned to three groups by computer generated randomization. Group 1-received ladies finger water and oral antidiabetic drug (OAD); group 2-received fenugreek seeds water and OAD; group 3-received only OAD for 15 days. Pre and post intervention fasting blood sugar (FBS) was assessed by accu-chek Performa glucometer. Wilcoxon signed rank test; one-way analysis of covariance followed by post hoc test with Bon-ferroni correction was done.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis was done based on 168 subjects. There was a significant reduction in FBS level with the mean difference of group 1-21.0 mg/dl (p<0.001), group 2-20.3 mg/dl (p<0.001) and group 3-4.7 mg/dl (p=0.068). No significant difference found between group 1 and group 2 (p=1.00), but significant difference found between group 1 and group 3 (p=0.032); group 2 and group 3 (p=0.012). Both ladies finger water and fenugreek seeds water were superior in reduction of FBS than OAD.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ladies finger water or fenugreek seeds water can be used as adjunct along with OAD to control type 2 diabetes mellitus.</p><p><strong> </strong></p>