Efficacy of an Add-on Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) Capsules
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Abstract
Introduction: Many studies showed that bitter melon could be used as antidiabetic drug in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: This study aim to evaluate antidiabetic effect to hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood sugar, safety and side effect of bitter melon in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients Methodology: Non-randomized controlled quasi-experimental study, 33 diabetic patients were recruited. Continued current antidiabetic medication for 4 weeks, then add-on treatment by bitter melon 2,700 mg/day. Follow up every 4 week. Blood test for HbA1C, fasting blood sugar, eGFR and liver enzyme. Result: HbA1C was reduced at average 0.42 (p < 0.001), no significant change in fasting blood sugar, kidney function and liver function. Side effect of bitter melon was found that there were dyspepsia patients 6% at 4th and 8th weeks and clinical hypoglycemic patients 6% at 8th and 12th weeks. Conclusion: This primary treatment study shows that Bitter Melon capsules as an Add-on Treatment can reduce HbA1C in type 2 diabetes mellitus on 33 patients. No serious adverse effects found in strictly to protocol patients. Further clinical studies should be conducted on larger populations to confirm and in order to apply the results of the study to the therapy of type 2 diabetes patients.
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References
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