COMPARISON OF HYPOGLYCEMIC FRUITS WITH ALLOPATHIC MEDICATION

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects your body’s ability to use the energy found in food. There are three major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by inherited and/or acquired deficiency in production of insulin by the pancreas, or by the ineffectiveness of the insulin produced. Such a deficiency results in increased concentrations of glucose in the blood, which in turn damage many of the body’s systems, in particular the blood vessels and nerves. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to serious health problems. Type-2 diabetes mellitus, which accounts for 90–95% of those with diabetes, previously referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, encompasses individuals who have insulin resistance and usually have relative , rather than absolute, insulin deficiency. At least initially, and often throughout their lifetime, these individuals do not need insulin treatment to survive. Metformin is oral antidiabetic drug having lesser morbid effects as compared to other oral antidiabetic agents. We have compared hypoglycemic potential of herbal hypoglycemic agent Figs or Injeer with Metformin. It was single blind correlational research conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore-Pakistan from April to August 2018. Fifty diabetic type-II patients of were selected for research. Approved and explained consent was taken by all patients. They were divided in two groups, 25 patients in each group. Group-I patients were advised to take 250 mg Metformin thrice daily for two months. Group-II patients were advised to take 10 grams of Injeer (Figs) in three divided doses for two months. Their base line fasting blood glucose level was taken and kept in record. They were advised to visit the OPD of the hospital fortnightly. They were also advised to check their fasting plasma glucose level daily at the morning by using Glucometer (provided by Acon Pharmaceutics Ltd). After two months when results were compiled and statistically analyzed, it was observed that Metformin decreased blood sugar level 27.6 % and Figs decreased 13.5 %. It was concluded from the study that Figs can decrease blood glucose level significantly, but when compared to Metformin, this change is about half fraction of the Metformin.