The Effect of Ginger Capsule on Blood Glucose Control status in Gestational Diabetes: a Triple Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objective: Gestational diabetes is a major prenatal problem and one of the most common complications of pregnancy throughout the world. Ginger can adjust biochemical pathways that are activated in chronic inflammations (such as diabetes) by affecting insulin sensitivity. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of ginger capsules on the control of blood sugar in gestational diabetes. Materials and Methods: The present triple-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 76 women with gestational diabetes attending high-risk pregnancy clinics of Alzahra and Taleghani teaching hospitals and diabetes clinic of Imam Reza Hospital in the city of Tabriz in 2016. Eligible mothers were divided into intervention and control groups by block randomization. Intervention and control groups respectively received 500mg ginger capsules and 500mg placebo capsules twice a day for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, Chi-square, Fisher's exact, rounded Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and independent t tests. Results No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of personal-social details (P>0.05). A total of 37 in the intervention group and 38 in control were followed-up until the end of the study. No significant difference was observed between two groups after eight weeks intervention in terms of fasting blood sugar (P=0.366). However, mean 2HPP blood sugar,dose of insulin received supper dinner, and frequency of visits to the gynecologist-endocrnologist after eight weeks intervention were significantly lower in theintervention group compared to control (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between two groups in HbA1c eight weeks after intervention (P=0.248). Conclusion: Ginger capsule was able to reduce mean 2HPP blood sugar, dose of insulin received, and frequency of visits to the gynecologist-endocrnologist in women with gestational diabetes. Thus, this medication is likely to promote the health of mothers with gestational diabetes and their infants.