Curcumin/Turmeric Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Adults With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic
Hossein Bahari1, Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki1,2, Zahra Asadi3
1Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran.
Food Science & Nutrition
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Curcumin and turmeric supplements show promise in improving blood sugar control for individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This meta-analysis found significant reductions in key glycemic markers, though more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Metabolism and Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Curcumin and turmeric exhibit potential hypoglycemic effects observed in preclinical research.
- Human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on their efficacy in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have yielded inconsistent results.
- A comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to synthesize current evidence on curcumin/turmeric supplementation for glycemic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effects of curcumin or turmeric supplementation on glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes and T2D.
- To quantify the overall effect size of curcumin/turmeric on fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and OGTT.
- To explore potential moderators of efficacy, including health status, dosage, and formulation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted until August 2025.
- Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and included in the meta-analysis.
- Random-effect models were used to estimate weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Main Results:
- Thirty-four RCTs (39 treatment arms) were included. Curcumin/turmeric significantly reduced FBG, HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and OGTT compared to controls.
- No significant changes were observed in homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-B).
- Subgroup analyses indicated greater efficacy with higher dosages (≥1 g/day) and varied by health status and formulation.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin/turmeric supplementation may improve glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes or T2D.
- Significant heterogeneity across studies warrants cautious interpretation of findings.
- High-quality future RCTs are necessary to confirm these results and establish definitive conclusions.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
5.9K
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...
5.9K
01:26Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
1.0K
Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
1.0K
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
1.5K
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...
1.5K
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
2
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...
2
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
1.3K
Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
1.3K
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
2
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.
2