Tumeric (2012) & Type 2 Diabetes

Learn more about treatment of diabetes mellitus.

A 2012 study examined whether turmeric (curcumin) would be helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes. The double-blind, randomized study utilized curcumin extract and included 240 subjects who were given either curcumin extract or a placebo for 9 months. The patients were prediabetic - they had levels of blood glucose that were determined to be higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes.

The researchers monitored beta-cell functioning, insulin levels and resistance and other measures. After the 9 month period, 16.5% of the placebo patients had developed type 2 diabetes, but none in the curcumin group developed the condition. In addition other measures in the curcumin group improved including overall functioning of beta cells.

Beta cells are the cells in the pancreas that maintain and release insulin, which in turn, regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. They produce a number of byproducts which control related processes.

Researchers: Somlak Chuengsamarn, MD, Suthee Rattanamongkolgul, MD, Rataya Luechapudiporn, PHD, Chada Phisalaphong, PHD and Siwanon Jirawatnotai, PHD

Published: Curcumin Extract for Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes Care July 6, 2012