In a groundbreaking study presented at The Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting in San Diego, researchers have unveiled promising findings for Nigerians living with diabetes. The study suggests that incorporating onions into the diet could significantly reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, potentially lowering them by as much as 50%.
Anthony Ojieh, MBBS (MD), MSc, from Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria, led the research. He emphasized the accessibility and affordability of onions, describing them as a potential nutritional supplement for managing diabetes. “Onion is cheap and available and has been used as a nutritional supplement. It has the potential for use in treating patients with diabetes,” Ojieh noted.
The study focused on the effects of onion bulb extract, known scientifically as Allium cepa, on diabetic rats. Researchers administered the extract in combination with the antidiabetic drug metformin to examine any enhanced effects.
Diabetic rats were divided into groups receiving either metformin alone, metformin with varying doses of onion extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day), or neither.
– For comparison, non-diabetic rats with normal blood sugar were also given metformin and onion extract.
– Control groups included both diabetic and non-diabetic rats receiving neither treatment, as well as those receiving only metformin.
The results were compelling. Two doses of onion extract, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day, significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic rats by 50% and 35%, respectively, from baseline levels. Moreover, the onion extract lowered total cholesterol levels in diabetic rats, with the higher doses yielding the most substantial effects.
Interestingly, the study also observed an increase in average weight among non-diabetic rats administered onion extract, suggesting an effect on metabolic rate and appetite. However, neither metformin nor onion extract reversed pancreatic damage caused by diabetes in the study.
The findings from Ojieh’s study hold significant potential for Nigeria, where the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.3% of Nigerians are affected by the condition. Integrating insights from this research could be vital for public health strategies aimed at preventing and managing diabetes.
By providing an accessible and cost-effective supplement to traditional diabetes treatments, onion extract could play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for millions of Nigerians. Educating the public on the benefits of onion consumption could enhance diabetes control at the community level, leading to better health management and outcomes.
While the study’s results are promising, further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms by which onion extract reduces blood glucose levels and to determine appropriate dosing for human use. Nonetheless, this natural remedy offers a hopeful avenue for enhanced diabetes management and overall population health.