Authors : Dr. Prajakta J. Nande
Page Nos : 23-32
Description :
A study was conducted to see the effect of bitter gourd juice on blood glucose level of
type 2 sedentary diabetics (N=20, twelve females & eight males) with mean age 53±5.72
yrs for females & 59.75±3.20 yrs for males. Freshly extracted concentrated whole bitter
gourd juice (75 g) was supplemented daily for 90 days in the morning. A significant
reduction in mean fasting & post meal blood glucose levels by 22.40 & 42.0 mg/dl in
females & 29.0 & 41.93 mg/dl in males was observed indicating positive impact of the
supplementation. A post experimental decrease of 1.76 & 0.99 % in glycosylated
hemoglobin level (HbA1c) was noticed for females & males, respectively. For both
genders, there was post experimental decrease in weight, body mass index (BMI) &
waist to hip ratio (WHR). Mean daily energy intake of subjects was found to be ranged
between 2325-2580 kcal. Excess consumption of energy, protein & fat was noticed
among both genders as compared to recommended dietary allowances. Post
experimental increment in mean daily fiber intake of subjects was noticed. It is
concluded that supplementation of bitter gourd juice for a period of 90 days brought
about significant reduction in fasting & post meal blood glucose levels in type 2
diabetics.
Keywords: bitter gourd, type 2 diabetes, fasting blood glucose, body mass index.
