There are very few drugs for diabetes that prevent the progression of declining beta-cell function. But curcumin may do just that.
Beta-cells produce insulin. Preventing the progression of declining beta-cells would be an important step in treating diabetes.
This new double-blind study gave 272 type 2 diabetics either a placebo or 1500mg a day of curcumin for a year.
Compared to the placebo, the curcumin group had significantly better improvement in fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance and HbA1c. Improvement in HbA1c is especially exciting because it is the most important marker of long term blood sugar and diabetes control. Importantly, the curcumin actually improved beta-cell function. Overall beta-cell function was significantly better in the curcumin group. Supplementing curcumin also led to weight loss.
This study shows that curcumin can safely improve insulin resistance and beta-cell function while reducing weight.
Nutr J. 2024 Oct 1;23:119.