An Alternative Approach to Improve Hyperglycemia Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Effects of Bitter Melon Intake and Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity on Postprandial Glucose Responses in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The study compared the effect of bitter melon intake and moderate exercise on postprandial glucose levels as measured by incremental area under the curve (iAUC) in eight patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: This study compared the effects of bitter melon intake and moderate-intensity physical activity on postprandial glucose responses in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: A total of 8 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to two sequences (AB, BA) with two treatments (A or B) using a 2 x 2 randomized cross-over design: A) 100 ml of bitter melon juice administered 15 minutes prior to the 75-g oral glucose load; B) 30 minutes walking at moderate-intensity performed 15 minutes after the oral glucose load.

Inclusion Criteria:

• An age of 20 to 79 years
• Physician-diagnosed type 2 diabetes
• Medical clearance for physical activity from their healthcare provider

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or were receiving insulin treatment
• An allergy to bitter melon
• Medical conditions that impacted the normal the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
• Contraindications to physical activity