Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on plasma glucose level, HbA1c and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Zingiber officinale on some biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetic (DM2) patients. In a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial, 64 patients with DM2 were assigned to ginger or placebo groups (receiving 2 g/d of each). A 3 d diet record, anthropometric measurements and concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FPG), HbA1c, lipid profile (including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein) and also the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were determined before and after 2 months of intervention. Ginger supplementation significantly lowered the levels of insulin (11.0 +/- 2.3 versus 12.1 +/- 3.3; p = 0.001), LDL-C (67.8 +/- 27.2 versus 89.2 +/- 24.9; p = 0.04), TG (127.7 +/- 43.7 versus 128.2 +/- 37.7; p = 0.03) and the HOMA index (3.9 +/- 1.09 versus 4.5 +/- 1.8; p = 0.002) and increased the QUICKI index (0.313 +/- 0.012 versus 0.308 +/- 0.012; p = 0.005) in comparison to the control group; while, there were no significant changes in FPG, TC, HDL-C and HbA1c (p>0.05). In summary, ginger supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and some fractions of lipid profile in DM2 patients. Therefore it may be considered as a useful remedy to reduce the secondary complications of DM2.