The Effect of Crocin Supplementation on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance and Active AMPK Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Crocin as a carotenoid exerts anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. Besides, the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its allied complications, and also patients' desire to use natural products for treating their diseases, led to the design of this study to evaluate the efficacy of crocin on glycemic control, insulin resistance and active adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D). Methods In this clinical trial with a parallel-group design, 50 patients with T2D received either 15-mg crocin or placebo, twice daily, for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, glucose homeostasis parameters, active form of AMPK were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study.Results Compared with the placebo group, crocin improved fasting glucose level (P=0.015), hemoglobin A1c (P=0.045), plasma insulin level (P=0.046), insulin resistance (P=0.001), and insulin sensitivity (P=0.001). Based on the within group analysis, crocin led to significant improvement in plasma levels of glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity. The active form of AMPK did not change within and between groups after intervention. Conclusions The findings indicate that crocin supplementation can improve glycemic control and insulin resistance in patients with T2D. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Trial Registration This study has been registered at Clinicaltrial.gov with registration number NCT04163757.

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The effects of metformin plus sulfonylurea therapy on clinical features of the metabolic syndrome

Medicinski pregled ◽

10.2298/mpns1010611k ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 63 (9-10) ◽

pp. 611-615 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Branka Koprivica ◽

Teodora Beljic-Zivkovic ◽

Tatjana Ille

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Glycemic Control ◽

Body Mass ◽

Combined Therapy

Introduction. Insulin resistance is a well-known leading factor in the development of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate metabolic effects of metformin added to sulfonylurea in unsuccessfully treated type 2 diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome. Material and methods. A group of thirty subjects, with type 2 diabetes, secondary sulfonylurea failure and metabolic syndrome were administered the combined therapy of sulfonylurea plus metformin for six months. Metformin 2000 mg/d was added to previously used sulfonylurea agent in maximum daily dose. Antihypertensive and hypolipemic therapy was not changed. The following parameters were assessed at the beginning and after six months of therapy: glycemic control, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol and its fractions, homeostatic models for evaluation of insulin resistance and secretion (HOMA R, HOMA B) and C- peptide. Results. Glycemic control was significantly improved after six months of the combined therapy: (fasting 7.89 vs. 10.61 mmol/l. p<0.01; postprandial 11.12 vs. 12.61 mmol/l. p<0.01, p<0.01; glycosylated hemoglobin 6.81 vs. 8.83%. p<0.01). the body mass index and waist circumference were significantly lower (26.7 vs. 27.8 kg/m2, p<0.01 and 99.7 vs. 101.4 cm for men, p<0.01; 87.2 vs. 88.5 for women, p<0.01). Fasting plasma triglycerides decreased from 3.37 to 2.45 mmol/l (p<0.001) and HOMA R from 7.04 to 5.23 (p<0.001). No treatment effects were observed on blood pressure, cholesterol, and residual insulin secretion. Conclusion. Administration of metformin in type 2 diabetes with metabolic syndrome decreased cardiovascular risk factors by reducing glycemia, triglycerides, BMI, central obesity and insulin resistance.

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