Alkaline-Ash Foods in the Dietary Management of Diabetes Mellitus

The effect of diets based predominantly on alkaline ash foods was studied in 51 NIDDM subjects. This particular dietary regimen aimed not only at controlling hyperglycaemia in diabetics, but also managing associated disorders like obesity and hypertension by correcting the acidbase imbalance existing in the body. The study was conducted on 27 males and 24 females suffering from non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, as confirmed by their blood glucose analysis. Of the 51 subjects selected, 2 2had fasting blood glucose levels between 130-200 mg/dl and 29 had fasting blood glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dl prior to the study period. Dietary profile of the experimental group, including the details of dietary intake, food preferences and eating habits, was obtained. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and post prandial blood glucose (PPBG) levels were estimated at the baseline and after the administration of the alkaline ash diet for a period of 4 weeks. Weight, blood pressure and state of constipation were also recorded before and after the study period. The efficacy of this dietary regimen in controlling the hyperglaycaemic state was established by using the ‘t’ test for paired data.