A recent study has unveiled promising findings that could change the landscape of diabetes treatment in Nigeria.
Researchers have discovered that incorporating onions into the diet may significantly reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with potential reductions reaching up to 50%.
Presented at The Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting in San Diego, the study led by Dr. Anthony Ojieh of Delta State University highlights the affordability and availability of onions (Allium cepa) as a natural supplement for managing diabetes. “Onion is cheap, readily available, and has been used as a nutritional supplement. It has the potential for use in treating diabetes,” Dr. Ojieh stated.
In their research, scientists administered varying doses of onion extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day) to diabetic rats, alongside metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication. The results were striking: the higher doses of onion extract led to a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels by 50% and 35%, respectively, compared to baseline levels at the study’s outset. Additionally, cholesterol levels also decreased, while non-diabetic rats showed an increase in appetite and weight without significant changes in blood sugar.
With diabetes on the rise in Nigeria, where the World Health Organization estimates its prevalence at 4.3%, these findings offer hope for effective, cost-efficient alternatives to traditional treatments. The use of onion extract as a supplementary therapy could play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for the millions living with diabetes.
Dr. Ojieh emphasized the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind the blood sugar reduction associated with onion consumption. He noted that the onion extract used in the study was a crude preparation, but purification could allow for appropriate dosing in human applications.
This study underscores the potential for natural remedies to contribute to diabetes management. By increasing awareness of the benefits of onions, public health initiatives could enhance diabetes control at the community level, offering a promising avenue for those affected by this chronic condition in Nigeria.
