Effect Of Pumpkin Seed Powder Supplementation On Metabolic Markers In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycaemia from impaired insulin secretion or its action. Nowadays, the use of herbal medicine as an alternative treatment is increasing among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pumpkin seed powder supplementation on the BMI, BP, CBC, HbA1c, and lipid profile of T2DM patients. Methods: This open-label randomized trial was conducted on 52 T2DM patients aged 30 to 65 years, enrolled from the Department of Medicine. The patients were randomized into intervention (n=26) and control (n=26) groups, where the intervention group received 10 gm/day of pumpkin seed powder plus conventional T2DM medical treatment, while the control group received conventional T2DM medical treatment alone. Assessments were done at baseline and after 6 months. Results: In the intervention group, after follow-up, a significant decrease in BMI (p=0.0119) and decreased HbA1c level (6.8%) were found. The lipid profile showed a decrease in total cholesterol (2.6%), low-density lipoprotein (1.75%), very low-density lipoprotein (16.1%), a significant decrease in triglycerides (p=0.028), while an increase in high-density lipoprotein (3.24%). CBC levels did not significantly differ. However, there was no significant change in the control group from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that in the intervention group, BMI was significantly reduced; a decrease in HbA1c and an improved lipid profile were also found after supplementation. This implies pumpkin seed powder supplementation could be an adjuvant nutrition for managing BMI, glycaemic and lipid profiles in T2DM patients.