Type 2 diabetes has health risk if left unmanaged. However, research reveals a natural remedy, onion extract. This inexpensive readily available vegetable has showed the potential to lower high blood sugar levels by up to 50% in individuals with diabetes.
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Researchers at Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria, have found that onion extract can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic rats by up to 50% when combined with metformin.
The active substance in onion offers an affordable and natural supplement to aid in controlling high blood sugar levels.
Led by Dr. Anthony Ojieh, MBBS (MD), MSc, the study evaluated the effects of onion extract on rats with diabetes. Diabetic rats were treated with different doses of onion extract 200mg, 400mg and 600mg per kilogram of body weight and metformin to observe its effect on blood glucose levels.
The onion extract doses at 400mg and 600mg were effective, showing blood sugar reductions of 35% and 50%, respectively.
Onion not only reduced blood sugar in diabetic rats but also increased the metabolic rate in non-diabetic rats.
This metabolic boost may encourage appetite, which led to weight gain in non-diabetic rats. However, this weight increase was not observed in the diabetic group.
The precise mechanism by which onion extract lowers blood sugar remains under investigation. Dr. Ojieh emphasizes that studies are necessary to fully understand how onion extract works to reduce blood glucose levels effectively.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
If uncontrolled, it can result in damage to various organs. Constantly high blood sugar can lead to severe complications including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage and vision problems.
Dietary choices play an important role in managing blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet often rich in low-glycemic vegetables is essential.
This study on onion was conducted by Dr. Anthony Ojieh, MBBS, MSc, of Delta State University, Nigeria. The findings were presented at the 97th Annual Meeting of The Endocrine Society in San Diego.
Researchers aimed to determine whether onion extract could enhance the effects of metformin, a common diabetes medication in lowering blood sugar levels.
Onion is inexpensive, widely available and commonly used as a food ingredient, making it an ideal candidate for a supplementary diabetes treatment.
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The study involved diabetic rats with high blood sugar levels and a control group of non-diabetic rats. Three groups of diabetic rats received metformin combined with varying doses of onion extract 200mg, 400mg and 600mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
Two control groups received only metformin without onion extract, one with diabetic rats and one with non-diabetic rats. Another set of control groups received neither metformin nor onion extract to assess baseline sugar levels.
In diabetic rats, higher doses of onion extract led to huge reductions in fasting blood sugar levels. The 400mg and 600mg doses resulted in blood sugar reductions of approximately 50% and 35%.
While non-diabetic rats experienced slight weight gain, diabetic rats did not, indicating that onion extract may not lead to unwanted weight gain in diabetic individuals.
Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, onions contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids and sulfur compounds that may impact blood sugar levels.
Besides reducing blood sugar, the study revealed that onion extract could also lower total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats especially at higher doses.
High cholesterol is a common risk factor in diabetes and the ability of onion extract to reduce it provides additional benefits for heart health.
The onion extract used in the study was a crude preparation. For human use, the extract would need purification and standardization to ensure safety and appropriate dosing.
Ensuring accurate dosing is vital to maximizing benefits while avoiding side effects. Given its low cost and accessibility, onion extract could become a practical addition to diabetes management alongside conventional treatments.
Integrating onions into meals, whether raw or cooked, could be an easy, affordable way to leverage its benefits.
Onion’s versatility makes it easy to incorporate into various recipes. For those who may not prefer onions in their diet, onion-based supplements might offer a convenient option.
In regions like Nigeria, where diabetes is prevalent and healthcare resources may be limited, onion extract provides an affordable and accessible option for managing blood sugar.
Educating communities about the benefits of onion extract could promote better diabetes control especially in areas with limited access to medications.
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