The effect of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on lipid profiles and glycemic indices in type 2 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.