Written by Chrystal Moulton, Science Writer. Researchers observed a significant improvement in beta cell function among participants assigned curcumin versus the placebo.
By the year 2030, diabetes is expected to affect the lives of 439 million individuals worldwide1. A key contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes is obesity, which can lead to insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction2. Although conventional drugs exist to treat comorbidities associated with diabetes, nutraceutical options such as curcumin have been investigated to determine its efficiency in the management of diabetes3-6. In the current trial, researchers investigated the long-term effects of curcumin on patients with both obesity and type 2 diabetes2.
The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Patients who were age of 35 and older, who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, taking metformin, and had a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 were included in this study. Participants who were enrolled in this trial were required to follow the same diet and exercise protocol for three months after enrollment. At baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, blood samples were taken after fasting to measure HbA1C, fasting plasma glucose levels, beta cell function (HOMA- beta), creatinine, leptin, adiponectin, AST and ALT [liver enzymes], insulin, and HOMA-IR (insulin resistance marker). Subjects were also required to complete a three-day food record at baseline and at week 12. Researchers collected information on dietary habits using questionnaires at baseline. All participants were also advised to consume low glycemic index foods and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Three months after enrollment, patients were randomly assigned to receive the placebo or curcumin treatment (250MG curcuminoid). All patients were instructed to take 3 capsules of their assigned protocol twice daily. At baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, when blood work was taken, researchers also assessed patient compliance in taking their assigned protocol. Researchers also conducted anthropometric measures to ensure health and safety of the participants. The primary outcome was change in beta cell function (HOMA- beta).
Data from 229 patients were assessed from this trial. No significant difference was observed between patients assigned the placebo or curcumin treatment. Researchers observed a significant improvement in beta cell function among participants assigned curcumin versus the placebo at month 9 (P < 0.01) and 12 (P < 0.01). Beginning from month 6, researchers observed significant improvement in leptin (P < 0.01), adiponectin (P < 0.01), and fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.01). And beginning from month 3, researchers observed significant improvement in BMI (P < 0.05), body weight (P < 0.05), HbA1C (P <0.01), insulin (P < 0.05), and HOMA-IR (P < 0.05). Researchers further investigated any correlation between the variables within each group. They found a statistically significant positive correlation between HbA1C levels and changes in body weight within the curcumin group. Patients reported experiencing abdominal pain, headache, and diarrhea. However, no patients dropped out due to adverse effects.
Results from this study showed that curcumin supplementation could significantly improve glycemic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes while lowering BMI, encouraging weight loss, and improving beta cell function. Researchers also observed that improved HbA1C levels was positively correlated with changes in body weight in the curcumin group. Additional studies will be needed to verify these results.
Source: Yaikwawong, Metha, Laddawan Jansarikit, Siwanon Jirawatnotai, and Somlak Chuengsamarn. “Curcumin extract improves beta cell functions in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.” Nutrition Journal 23, no. 1 (2024): 119.
© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access
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Posted May 1, 2025.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
References:
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- Yaikwawong M, Jansarikit L, Jirawatnotai S, Chuengsamarn S. Curcumin extract improves beta cell functions in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. Oct 1 2024;23(1):119. doi:10.1186/s12937-024-01022-3
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