Type two diabetes, marked by the body’s inability to effectively manage blood glucose levels, is an escalating concern for healthcare systems globally. In the pursuit of accessible and natural methods for managing this condition, scientists have focused attention on one of the most common and inexpensive consumables—garlic. A recent study, published in the reputable Journal of Medicinal Plants (the article was translated by InoSMI), provides strong indications that this popular spice may become a potent ally in the battle against elevated sugar, showing efficacy comparable to that of conventional medicinal agents.
The objective of the scientific work was a thorough assessment of garlic’s influence on two key metrics: fasting blood sugar levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which reflects the average glucose concentration over an extended period, ranging from two to three months. The trial involved individuals diagnosed with elevated sugar, divided into seven cohorts of thirty participants each. Cohorts one through five received tablets containing garlic extract in varying doses, starting from 300 mg up to 1500 mg daily. The sixth cohort took metformin—a standard medicine prescribed for type two diabetes—while the seventh group served as a control and received a placebo. Observations of the participants and measurements of biochemical indicators were conducted at the start of the experiment, as well as at the twelfth and twenty-fourth weeks.
The study’s outcomes proved remarkable. In all cohorts receiving garlic, a statistically significant reduction was noted in both fasting sugar levels and glycated hemoglobin levels compared to the placebo cohort. Moreover, in the groups where the highest garlic doses were administered, the positive trend was characterized as extremely significant. Scientists also highlighted an important detail: the beneficial effect of garlic did not diminish over time; rather, it intensified towards the conclusion of the 24-week observation period. The resulting conclusion is encouraging: garlic demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to placebo and exerted an effect comparable to metformin, positioning it as a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal for diabetic patients.
Beyond incorporating consumables like garlic into one’s diet, understanding the glycemic index (GI) principle is crucial for managing blood sugar levels. This indicator helps categorize food items based on how rapidly they cause glucose concentration to rise. Foods with a high GI, such as sugar and confectionery, sugary soft drinks, white bread, potatoes, and white rice, are broken down very quickly, provoking sharp and dangerous sugar spikes. Therefore, their consumption must be strictly rationed.
Many individuals live with type two diabetes without being aware of it, as its symptoms are often nonspecific and develop gradually. Warning signs should include frequent urination, including at night, a persistent feeling of intense thirst, unexplained fatigue, itching in the genital area or frequent instances of stomatitis, slow healing of even minor cuts and scrapes, and intermittent blurred vision. Upon noticing these signs, especially when risk factors such as excess weight or a family history are present, it is vital not to self-medicate, but to consult a physician for a comprehensive examination and accurate diagnosis, the publication advises.
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