ABSTRACT
In many previous studies, green tea has been shown to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes 16-18. Some controversial results have also been noticed in few studies. Primary objective of the present study was to determine the effect of green tea polyphenols on glycaemic control among the patient with type 2 diabetes. Conflicting data exists according to previous studies about green tea that it might have a positive effect on the glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. The aim of the present study was to give evidence whether a crude extract of green tea improves glycated haemoglobin A1C [HbA1C] and fasting plasma glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Study was prospective, interventional and randomized. This study was conducted at the Department of IMBB [Molecular Biology], University of Lahore from April 2007 to June 2007. A total of 60 patients, 20 with diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 taking oral anti-diabetics and 20 diabetic individuals who were not taking any hypoglycemic drug, of either sex were randomly assigned to take green tea extract twice a day, at the dose of 15 gram, for 3 months. A group of 20 healthy subjects was also enrolled in the study. A very significant difference between the pre- and post-intervention fasting plasma glucose level was observed in both the groups of diabetic patients while no significant difference was seen regarding HbA1C level. Significant changes were not observed in either of the parameters in healthy individuals, as was expected throughout the study. No adverse effects were observed in any of the three groups. The green tea extract seems to have a moderate effect in reducing fasting plasma glucose concentrations in diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control