Effect of Lentil Sprouts on Lipid Profile and Blood Fasting Glucose in Overweight and Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The effects of lentil sprouts (LS) on lipid profiles and FBS among overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes have not yet been examined. Considering the importance of legumes and cereal sprouts in traditional Iranian medicine, we conducted this trial to investigate the effects of LS on fasting blood glucose, and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Thirty-nine patients were randomly divided into two groups. For all individuals throughout the 8 weeks of the study period, the same drug treatment was given, with the intervention group patients consuming 60 g lentil sprouts in addition daily. Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBS) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention.

AIP decreased (P<0.07) in the LS group and their levels of HDL-C and LDL-C increased compared with baseline levels, whereas in the control group no significant change was seen. In this group a decrease in TG of 4.5% was seen, whereas this increase in the control group was 22%.

Consumption of LS as supplementary treatment in type 2 diabetes could have favorable effects on lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose and reduce risk of coronary vascular diseases.