Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes

Sharma et al., 1990 | Eur J Clin Nutr | Rct

Citation

Sharma R D, Raghuram T C, Rao N S. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990-Apr;44(4):301-6

Abstract

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on blood glucose and the serum lipid profile was evaluated in insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetic patients. Isocaloric diets with and without fenugreek were each given randomly for 10 d. Defatted fenugreek seed powder (100 g), divided into two equal doses, was incorporated into the diet and served during lunch and dinner. The fenugreek diet significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and improved the glucose tolerance test. There was a 54 per cent reduction in 24-h urinary glucose excretion. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were also significantly reduced. The HDL cholesterol fraction, however, remained unchanged. These results indicate the usefulness of fenugreek seeds in the management of diabetes.

Key Findings

These results indicate the usefulness of fenugreek seeds in the management of diabetes.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	diabetes

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Blood Glucose
Child
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
Diet, Diabetic
Female
Glucose Tolerance Test
Humans
India
Insulin
Lipids
Male
Plants, Medicinal
Random Allocation
Seeds
Socioeconomic Factors

Evidence Classification

Level: Rct
Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
Vertical: fenugreek

Provenance

PMID: 2194788
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10