ABSTRACT
Background: Several studies have reported the hypoglycemic property of Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum), a commonly used condiment in Indian homes, due to its high dietary fiber content. Method: A total of 25 NIDDM patients were given control diets orally consisting of (i)milled rice(boiled rice),(ii) whole wheat (chapati) experimental diets consisting of (iii) boiled rice with fenugreek seed powder and (iv) chapati with fenugreek seed powder given on four consecutive days. Blood was collected at 0, 15, 30,45,60,90 and 120 minutes. Area under curve and glycemic index was calculated for both control and experimental diets. Results: The mean of area under curve of rice with fenugreek and wheat with fenugreek are significantly lower when compared with only rice and only wheat taken orally respectively. Further, the mean glycemic index was significantly lower when fenugreek was given 15 minutes before meal compared to fenugreek given along with meal. Conclusion: Fenugreek has a lowering effect on glycemic index when added to rice and wheat diets, due to delayed gastric emptying and increased intestinal transit time. In addition, fenugreek decreases glucose absorption and inhibits starch digestion due to presence of soluble fiber and galactomannans. Adding fenugreek to the diet of diabetes patients 15 minutes before the meal causes a significant reduction in glycemic index and is beneficial to NIDDM patients for long term control of their blood glucose levels and prevention of hyperglycaemia related complications.