Effect of spirulina supplementation on the dietary habits and anthropometric parameters of non-insulin dependent diabetic mellitus male subjects

Sixty male diabetic subjects (40–60 years) of MIG were selected from Punjab Agricultural University Hospital, Ludhiana and divided equally into three groups viz, E₁, E₂ and C. Spirulina supplementation was given daily in the form of SUNOV A capsules with two capsules (1g) and four capsules (2 g) to E₁ and E₂ group, respectively for a period of two months and C group was not given any supplementation. The impact of spirulina supplementation was studied individually on food intake & anthropometric parameters of subjects before and after study. It was observed that the mean carbohydrate and protein intake decreased significantly (pd≤0.01) in group E₂ while non-significantly in group E₁ and C. The anthropometric parameters of the subjects in group E₁ and E₂ showed a significant (pd≤0.01) decrease, while non-significant decrease was observed in group C. It was further observed that the weight reduction of the subjects of E₁, E₂ and C was 2.15, 2.4 and 1.4 kg, respectively at the end of the study. More weight reduction in E₁ & E₂ could be due to spirulina supplementation as it prevents hunger signals, hence less intake of energy foods. Therefore, it is suggested that 2 g of spirulina supplementation can prove to be effective tool in management of diabetes and weight reduction with more favourable results.