The Effect of Combined Therapy with Fenugreek and Nutrition Training Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine on FBS, HgA1c, BMI, and Waist Circumference in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: a Randomized Double Blinded Clinical Trial

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders that cause a high annual cost of patients care and health services in a society.  Given the fact that DM management is very important, the present study aims to investigate the effect of combined therapy with fenugreek and nutrition training based on Iranian traditional medicine on FBS, HgA1c, BMI, and waist circumference in type 2 diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: This randomized double blinded clinical trial was conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran (Iran) during 2017. Patients were randomly divided into four groups, including: G1 [fenugreek powder (10g/two times per day) with nutrition training), G2 [wheat flour (placebo) with nutrition training), G3 [fenugreek powder (10g/two times per day) without nutrition training], and G4 [wheat flour (placebo) without nutrition training]. 
Results: This study was done on 125 patients (43% male and 57% female). There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics of all groups. The mean of FBS in G1, G2, G3 and G4 significantly decreased by 62, 12, and 23 units, respectively (P<0.001). The mean of HbA1c in groups G1, G2, and G3 declined by 0.77, 0.31 and 0.5 units, respectively. The mean of BMI in groups G1, G2, and G3 decreased by 1.38, 0.82 and 0.89 units, respectively. Furthermore, waist circumference reduced in all of three groups by 7.11, 3.8 and 3.18 units, respectively. There was no significant change in mean value of these parameters in G4 group.  
Conclusion: Given the positive effect of fenugreek and nutrition training on FBS, HbA1c, BMI, and waist circumference, it can be suggested for blood glucose control in diabetic patients. Interestingly, combined therapy with fenugreek and nutrition training was more effective in reducing blood glucose, indicating the importance of this combined therapy for blood glucose control in DM patients.