Effect of Lupinus albus on Glycaemic Control, Plasma Insulin Levels, Lipid Profile and Liver Enzymes in Type 2 Diabetics

Abstract

Lupinus species and their derivatives are good candidates to be used as hypoglycaemic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Lupinus albus dry extract in type 2 diabetic patients. The study included 47 adult patients (21 men and 26 women) with type 2 diabetes. While consuming their usual medication, patients received a daily dose of 400 mg of Lupinus albus dry extract during 12 weeks. Fasting and post meal test glucose and insulin were measured at baseline and after 2 and 12 weeks. Plasma lipids, Alanine and Aspartate aminotransferases activities and glycated haemoglobin were assessed at baseline and at the end of the supplementation period. Compared to baseline values, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels were decreased at 2 and 12 weeks. Blood glucose area under the curve significantly decreased after 2 weeks (p<0.01) and 12 weeks (p<0.05) of lupine administration. Fasting insulin concentrations (10.3±5.34 vs. 11.9±6.58; p<0.05) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (3.50±2.01 vs. 4.40±2.80; p<0.01) were significantly lower at 12 weeks, but not at 2 weeks. The area under the curve for insulin response did not differ from the baseline. After 12 weeks of Lupinus albus administration, glycated haemoglobin (-5.71%), plasma total cholesterol (-8.12%), LDL cholesterol (-5%), triglycerides (-23.2%), and Alanine aminotransferase activity (-21.1%) were significantly decreased compared to baseline. The study showed that administration of Lupinus albus results in a hypoglycaemic effect and an improvement of diabetes control, but does not affect insulin secretion. These findings suggest that Lupinus albus has insulin mimetic action.