Fenugreek Seeds as a Therapeutic Supplement for Patients with Noninsulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder, for which there is no known cure except in very specific situations. Management of diabetes is based on keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, without causing hypoglycaemia. Usually, this can be accomplished with diet, exercise and use of appropriate medications. In India, herbs are used in treatment to maintain normal blood glucose and lipid levels. In any form of management of diabetes with drug or insulin, diet is a common factor. Besides diet, many plants and foods of medicinal value have proved to be very useful in which one of them is fenugreek seed. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the blood glucose modulating effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder (FSP) in patients of Noninsulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 25 patients of NIDDM of age group 40 to 50 years. A 5 gm Fenugreek seed powder was given to the patients on empty stomach early in the morning every day. Before beginning the study and at the end of every month, the blood glucose level (fasting and postprandial) was measured consecutively for three months. Statistics Program for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 17.0) computer software package was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Administration of FSP lowered the blood glucose levels in patients of NIDDM and a significant reduction in blood glucose level (fasting and postprandial) was observed in the study. Conclusion: Present study suggested that FSP might have potential to modulate blood glucose level which can serve as an effective supportive therapy in the prevention and management of long-term complications of diabetes.