The control of type 2 diabetes with specific references to Nigella sativa seed and Ajwa dates

Algheshairy, Reham Mohammad (2018) The control of type 2 diabetes with specific references to Nigella sativa seed and Ajwa dates. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not secrete sufficient insulin or when cells become resistant to insulin regardless of the quantity of produced. Diabetes in Saudi Arabia is reported to have reached epidemic proportions. This ever-increasing incidence has been blamed on low levels of physical activity and high levels of obesity. The effects of Nigella seeds and Ajwa dates on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and the possible beneficial effects on the complications associated with type 2 diabetes were investigated. This study used a randomised clinical intervention trial. 75 Saudi adults, with type 2 diabetes, aged between 18 and 60, were divided into 3 groups. Groups were assigned the following diets; Group D-NS - the modified diet supplemented with 2g of Nigella sativa seeds daily; Group D-AJ - the modified diet supplemented with 1 Ajwa date daily; Group D-D the modified diet without supplements. The study period was 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples for the determination of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar were taken at the beginning and end of the study. A similar group of 75 healthy volunteers was recruited in the UK for comparative studies. There was a significant decrease in the levels of FBG (P <.001), 2PPBG (P <.001), and an improvement in some markers of glycaemia plus better control of BGL and HbA1c in Group D-NS compared to the levels in Groups D-AJ and D-D. Thus following a modified diet supplemented with Nigella seeds may have a role in controlling the outcomes for type 2 diabetes patients. Large scale clinical trials to determine the optimum dose and duration of Nigella seed diet treatments are now needed. The modified diet supplemented with Ajwa dates apparently had no advantages. Further investigations in relation to the quantity and frequency of use of Ajwa dates as a dietary supplement are essential before any conclusions can be drawn as to their effectiveness.