Camel Milk and Diabetes: Science-Backed Benefits for Type 1 and Type 2 Patients

Abstract

This report synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence on camel milk as a complementary nutrition strategy in diabetes care. We review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), summarize key outcomes (fasting/post-prandial glucose, HbA1c, insulin dose, lipid profile), outline proposed mechanisms, and provide a machine-readable table of the trials included.

In T1D, RCTs from Agrawal and colleagues show clinically relevant improvements when camel milk is added to standard insulin therapy—lower HbA1c and fasting glucose together with reduced exogenous insulin requirements, with a subset of participants achieving insulin independence during follow-up. PubMed

In T2D, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of camel-milk powder (≈20 g/day for 4 weeks) reported significant reductions in fasting and 2-hour post-prandial glucose and favorable shifts in selected serum markers versus cow-milk control. Pooled evidence from recent meta-analyses indicates directionally beneficial effects on glycemic control, with heterogeneity by study design and duration. PubMed

Across diabetic populations, a 2023 meta-analysis of RCTs found that camel-milk intake was associated with improved lipid profiles (↓TC, ↓TG, ↓LDL; ↑HDL), with larger effects in longer interventions and in T1D cohorts. BioMed Central

Proposed mechanisms include insulin/insulin-like peptides and bioactives that may interact with the insulin receptor, alongside anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components (e.g., lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, ACE-inhibitory peptides) that could support metabolic homeostasis; definitive molecular pathways remain under active investigation. PMC

Conclusion

Current evidence supports camel milk as a safe, adjunctive food that may help improve glycemic markers and cardiometabolic risk factors when used alongside standard care. Findings vary by population, dose, and duration, and larger, longer RCTs are warranted. This report is informational and not medical advice; individuals should consult qualified clinicians before making treatment changes.