[Effect of camel milk on glycemic control and lipid profiles of diabetic patients]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of camel and cow milk on blood sugar and lipid profiles of patients with diabetes mellitus, who injected lantus insulin

Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 40 patients with diabetes mellitus, using lantus insulin injections were randomly allocated two groups of camel milk receivers (19 patients, mean age 59.84+1.05] and cow milk receivers [17 patients, mean age 49.47 + 2.93]. The two groups consumed 500 ml of either camel milk or cow milk daily for three months

Results: Changes in mean glucose levels of the camel milk group were significant, over the study duration and [P<0.05]. HbA1c decreased significantly in both groups [P<0.05]. There was significant reduction of the insulin dose required in the patients receiving camel milk [13.71%], compared to those who received cow milk [0.25%; P0.05]. In the group receiving camel milk, there was a significant increase in HDL-C levels [P<0.05]. There was no difference in fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR and lipid profiles between the two groups at the end of study [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Camel milk decreased blood sugar, HbA1c and required the insulin dose required in diabetes mellitus patients, who inject lantus insulin and in could also contribute to glycemic control in these patients

Multidisciplinary intervention for reducing malnutrition among children in the Islamic Republic of Iran

A multidisciplinary intervention to reduce protein-energy malnutrition among children in rural areas was piloted in 3 provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Based on an initial situation analysis, a range of interventions were implemented through local nongovernmental organizations, including nutrition, health and literacy education for mothers, improved growth monitoring and fostering rural cooperatives and income generation schemes. Malnutrition before and after the intervention [in 1996 and 1999] was assessed using anthropometric measurements of r and om samples of children aged 6-35 months in control and intervention areas. Three years into the intervention, all indicators of malnutrition had consistently decreased in all intervention areas and the prevalence of underweight and stunting was significantly lower. Control areas showed a mixed pattern of small increases and decreases in malnutrition indicators