The effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on lipid profiles and glycemic indices inType2 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.