In a nutshell
This study examined whether curcumin is effective for the treatment of prediabetes. The authors concluded that curcumin treatment for 9 months reduces the number of individuals with prediabetes who develop type 2 diabetes.
Some background
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are high. This occurs due to the development of insulin resistance (reduced ability of the glucose-lowering hormone insulin to lower glucose levels). However, glucose levels are not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Many compounds are being investigated for their ability to reverse prediabetes. Curcumin is an herb that is present in turmeric. Previous studies have indicated that curcumin has anti-diabetic properties. However, it’s unknown whether curcumin is effective in preventing progression of prediabetes to T2D.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether curcumin can prevent the progression of prediabetes to T2D.
This study involved 240 patients with prediabetes. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received 6 capsules of curcumin daily for 9 months. The other group received a placebo (substance with no therapeutic effect) daily for 9 months. Insulin resistance and markers of insulin production and inflammation were measured at 3, 6 and 9 months.
After 9 months, 16.4% of individuals with prediabetes developed T2D in the placebo group. In contrast, no individuals treated with curcumin developed T2D. Insulin resistance was lower in the curcumin-treated group compared to the placebo. Marker levels indicated that insulin production was higher and inflammation lower in the curcumin-treated group.
There were no side effects to curcumin treatment.
The bottom line
This study concluded that treatment of prediabetes with curcumin for 9 months reduces the number of individuals who develop T2D and also improves pancreas function.
The fine print
This study investigated the effectiveness of curcumin treatment for 9 months. It is not known whether treatment for a longer period may be more effective.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Nov 01, 2012
