Effects of sunflower seeds on fasting blood glucose in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients

The present study was conducted with the aim to assess and analyse the effect of sunflower seeds on the Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) in patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. 60 patients were enrolled in the study (33 males and 27 females) divided into the case and the control group. Various anthropometric measurements (Height, Weight, Blood pressure) and biochemical parameters (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL], High Density Lipoprotein [HDL], and Fasting Blood Glucose [FBS]) for these patients were recorded for 6 months pre and post supplementation of the sunflower seeds. The patients taking sunflower seeds showed a positive and a faster decrease in their FBS level as compared to the control group. The blood glucose levels in the case group reduced from 186.2 mg/dl to 109.9 mg/dl whereas in control group it reduced from 163.3 mg/dl to 119.2 mg/dl respectively. Sunflower seeds can be recommended as a household and natural remedy to render control over the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes type-2. Also it leads to a good increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels which help maintain the heart health.