Abstract

THE ROLE OF GARLIC SUPPLEMENTATION IN MODULATING BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES

Sajja Ravindra Babu*, Ayesha Begum, Priyanka and A. Swathwika

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a health condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. Medication plays a crucial role in managing diabetes by helping to control blood sugar levels and support overall health. In 2019, the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 9.3%, affecting approximately 463 million people. Projections indicate that this prevalence will rise to 10.2% (578 million people) by 2030 and further increase to 10.9% (700 million people) by 2045. The data also reveal a higher prevalence of diabetes in urban areas (10.8%) compared to rural areas (7.2%), with a greater incidence in high-income countries (10.4%) versus low-income nations (4.0%). Furthermore, the global prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance was estimated at 7.5% (374 million people) in 2019, with projections showing an increase to 8.0% (454 million) by 2030 and 8.6% (548 million) by 2045. These figures highlight the urgent needfor greater awareness and proactive interventions to manage and prevent diabetes on a global scale. Garlic extract is a compound known for its diverse biological activities and potential health benefits. It is particularly valued for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antiasthmatic, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic properties. Comprising over 200 chemical constituents, including organosulfur compounds, volatile oils, enzymes, vitamins, and other active molecules, garlic extract contributes to a variety of medicinal effects. It is one of the most extensively researched natural therapies, particularly for its positive effects on blood glucose regulation and fluid balance. As a traditional food and medicinal remedy, garlic offers several advantages, such as its ability to address a wide range of health issues, its availability, affordability, and low incidence of adverse effects. If its efficacy is further validated, garlic could play a significant role in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in regulating blood glucose levels and improving lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).[4] Garlic has been shown to improve blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) within 1 to 2 weeks, with its benefits potentially lasting up to 24 weeks. Additionally, garlic positively affects total cholesterol levels and helps regulate both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) over a span of 12 weeks. These findings suggest that garlic may assist in reducing insulin resistance, highlighting its potential for long-term therapeutic effects.[4]

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, LDL, HDL, Garlic Extract.