The effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on lipid profiles and glycemic indices in Type 2 diabetic adults: Randomized double blinded trials

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of okra consumption on serum levels of lipid profiles and glycemic indices in Type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. The present study was a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, carried out in Kerman, Iran. Sixty T2D patients were randomized into intervention and control groups and received 10 g okra powder blended in 150 g conventional yogurt or conventional yogurt alone, along with dinner and lunch, for 8 weeks. Glycemic markers and lipid profile were assessed, as well as anthropometric measures, at the beginning and end of study. The findings showed that 8 weeks okra consumption resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose (-15.61 ± 19.44 vs. -3.40 ± 24.78; p = .02), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (-1.17 ± 1.61 vs. -0.14 ± 1.64; p = .01), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.01 ± 0.007 vs. 0.00 ± 0.01; p = .004), triacylglycerol (-22.30 ± 32.46 vs. -3.86 ± 30.57; p = .001), total cholesterol (-10.23 ± 10.36 vs. -2.03 ± 13.94; p = .004), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -8.15 ± 10.01 vs. -2.31 ± 9.37; p = .02), and LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (-0.28 ± 0.37 vs. -0.08 ± 0.24; p = .01). No significant difference was observed between groups in HDL-C, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin levels, and anthropometric measures. The present study suggests that okra consumption can elicit improvements in lipid profile, as well as glycemic markers, among T2D patients.

Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus; diabetics mellitus; glycemic indices; lipid profiles; trials.