USE OF FENUGREEK SEED POWDER IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

Hypoglycemic effect of Fenugreek seed powder (Trigonella foenum graecu m) was studied In 60 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. A prescr ibed diet with and without Fenugreek seed powder was given to patients for 7 days of a control period and for 24 weeks of the experimental p eriod. During the experimental period twenty five grams of Fenugreek s eed powder divided Into two equal doses was added to the die: and serv ed during lunch and dinner. Diet containing Fenugreek seed powder lowe red fasting blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Insul in levels were also diminished. Twenty four hour urinary sugar excreti on was reduced significantly (p<0.001). Glycosylated hemoglobin measur ed at the end of the 8th week of Fenugreek seed powder administration was reduced significantly (p<0.001). This shows that feeding Fenugreek seed powder is beneficial to diabetic subjects.