Lecture Notes on Curcumin Extract and Type 2 Diabetes Research

Introduction

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM):

  • Chronic condition involving insulin resistance and impaired insulin production.
  • Leads to high blood glucose levels.
  • Projected to affect 439 million individuals by 2030.

• Curcumin:

  • A polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa.
  • Known for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose.
  • Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties.

• Research Purpose:

  • Assess efficacy of curcumin in improving T2DM management by enhancing beta-cell functions and reducing insulin resistance.

Study Design

• Type:

  • Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

• Participants:

  • 229 obese patients with T2DM.
  • Inclusion: Diagnosed with T2DM within the last year, controlled blood glucose, BMI ≥ 23 kg/m².

• Intervention:

  • 1500mg/day of curcumin or placebo for 12 months.
  • Lifestyle advice including diet and exercise was given.

Methodology

• Parameters Monitored:

  • Body weight, BMI, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, HOMA-β for beta-cell function, insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin levels.
  • Measurements taken at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

• Blinding:

  • Both participants and healthcare providers were blinded.

Results

• Primary Outcomes:

  • Beta-cell Function:
    • Improved significantly in the curcumin group after 9 and 12 months (higher HOMA-β levels).

• Secondary Outcomes:

  • Glycemic Control:
    • Significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in curcumin group.
  • Body Weight:
    • Decrease in BMI and body weight in curcumin group.
  • Insulin Resistance:
    • Lower HOMA-IR in curcumin group indicating reduced insulin resistance.
  • Adipokines:
    • Increased adiponectin and decreased leptin in curcumin group.

• Adverse Effects:

  • Mild symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache.
  • No significant differences in liver and kidney function tests between groups.

Discussion

• Efficacy of Curcumin:

  • Demonstrated significant improvement in glucose levels, beta-cell function, and insulin sensitivity.
  • Suggests a potential role as a nutraceutical in diabetes management.

• Weight Management:

  • Curcumin may help with weight reduction and BMI control.

• Inflammation:

  • Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to improved beta-cell function.

Conclusion

• Curcumin shows promise in improving beta-cell function and reducing insulin resistance and body weight in obese patients with T2DM.
• Safe for use over a 12-month period.

Trial Information

• Registration: Thai clinical trials regentrify no.20140303003.
• Supplementary Information: Additional material available online.

Abbreviations

• FPG: Fasting Plasma Glucose
• HbA1c: Glycated Hemoglobin
• BMI: Body Mass Index
• HOMA-β: Homeostasis Model Assessment of beta-cell function
• HOMA-IR: Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance

References

• Detailed references are available within the full study documentation.