Related Experiment Videos
Sweet potato for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cheow Peng Ooi1, Seng Cheong Loke
1Department ofMedicine, Universiti PutraMalaysia, Serdang,Malaysia. cpooi07@gmail.com.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|February 17, 2012
Summary
Sweet potato may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, but more research is needed. Current evidence is limited, requiring better trial methods and standardization for reliable recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a nutrient-dense vegetable used in traditional medicine for type 2 diabetes.
- Preclinical and human studies suggest a role for sweet potato in managing blood sugar levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sweet potato consumption for improving glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using multiple electronic databases up to July 2011.
- Included RCTs compared sweet potato preparations against placebo or control interventions.
- Risk of bias was assessed, and data were independently extracted by two authors.
Main Results:
- Three RCTs involving 140 participants were included, with durations of six weeks to five months.
- A statistically significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was observed with 4 g/day of sweet potato preparations compared to placebo (MD -0.3%; P = 0.02).
- No serious adverse effects were reported; however, diabetic complications, quality of life, and costs were not assessed.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence currently supports recommending sweet potato for type 2 diabetes management.
- Further research with improved trial methodology, standardization, and quality control is necessary.
- Additional observational and randomized trials are needed to inform clinical practice guidelines for medical nutritional therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:25Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes mellitus develops gradually and is often asymptomatic in early stages.Clinical ManifestationsWhen symptoms appear, they include fatigue, blurred vision, pruritus, delayed wound healing, and recurrent infections, particularly candidal infections. Peripheral neuropathy may present as numbness or tingling in the extremities. Classic hyperglycemia symptoms—polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia—are less common. Most patients are overweight and frequently have associated hypertension...
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...