A Pilot Study on the Glucose-Lowering Effects of a Nutritional Supplement in People with Prediabetes
Thrasyvoulos Bemplidakis,
Ioanna Eleftheriadou,
Ourania Kosta,
Konstantinos Tentolouris,
Ioanna Anastasiou,
Christina Agelaki,
Dimitrios Lamprinos,
Anastasia Papaioannou,
Ioanna Kolovou,
Vasiliki Kouka,
Magdalini Bristianou,
Leonidas Lanaras,
Nikolaos Tentolouris
Affiliations
Thrasyvoulos Bemplidakis
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Ioanna Eleftheriadou
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Ourania Kosta
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Konstantinos Tentolouris
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Ioanna Anastasiou
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Christina Agelaki
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Dimitrios Lamprinos
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Anastasia Papaioannou
Health Center of Nea Makri, 19005 Athens, Greece
Ioanna Kolovou
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Vasiliki Kouka
Health Center of Schimatari, 32009 Tanagra, Greece
Magdalini Bristianou
Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Lamia, 35100 Lamia, Greece
Leonidas Lanaras
Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Lamia, 35100 Lamia, Greece
Nikolaos Tentolouris
First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Background and Objectives: Prediabetes is associated with a high risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Early treatment with exercise and dietary interventions can reduce the progression of prediabetes to diabetes or even lead to a return of glucose levels to normal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement with Portulaca oleracea and titrated Cistus creticus extract on the glycemic profile of people with prediabetes. Materials and Methods: Participants were assigned to a dietary supplement with Portulaca oleracea and titrated Cistus creticus extract, along with vitamins and minerals, received once daily for 90 days. Demographics and medical history were obtained, and a complete clinical examination, measurement of somatometric characteristics, and laboratory parameters were performed at baseline. The measurement of somatometric characteristics and laboratory tests were repeated at the end of the study. Results: A total of 26 people with prediabetes participated, 11 females and 15 males. There was a tendency for a decrease in HbA1c after intervention [baseline: 5.9 (5.7–6.1)%; at the end of the study: 5.7 (5.7–6.0)%, p = 0.062] and a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels (from 110.8 ± 7.0 mg/dL to 103.9 ± 10.3, p = 0.005). Fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased significantly [baseline fasting insulin: 20.7 (9.3–34.20) μU/mL; at the end of the study: 15.1 (8.6–19.0) μU/mL, p = 0.028; baseline HOMA-IR: 3.6 (2.5–8.9); at the end of the study: 3.5 (2.0–4.6), p = 0.035]. Significant reductions were observed in alkaline phosphatase and uric acid levels. No significant change was observed in body weight, body mass index, or waist circumference after the intervention. No treatment-emergent adverse events were observed, and all participants completed the study. Conclusions: The dietary supplement from Portulaca oleracea and titrated Cistus creticus extract, along with vitamins and minerals, may improve the metabolic profile of people with prediabetes.
