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Sweet potato for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cheow Peng Ooi1, Seng Cheong Loke
1Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor DE, Malaysia, 43400.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|September 4, 2013
Summary
Sweet potato may help improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus, showing a small but significant reduction in HbA1c. However, more high-quality research is needed due to limited evidence.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a nutrient-rich vegetable with traditional use in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Preclinical and human studies suggest a potential role for sweet potato in regulating blood glucose levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effects of sweet potato consumption on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases up to February 2013.
- Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing sweet potato interventions with placebo or other comparators.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two authors.
Main Results:
- Three RCTs involving 140 participants were included, all conducted by the same research group.
- A statistically significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of -0.3% was observed with 4 g/day of sweet potato preparation compared to placebo over 3-5 months (2 trials, 122 participants).
- No serious adverse events were reported, but outcomes like diabetic complications, quality of life, and costs were not assessed.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to recommend sweet potato for type 2 diabetes mellitus management.
- Improvements in trial methodology, standardization, and quality control of sweet potato preparations are necessary.
- Further observational studies and RCTs are required to establish clinical recommendations.
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