Effect of Ajwa Seed Powder on HbA1c and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background:

Ajwa seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) exhibit anti-obesity, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidative activities, with enhancements in body composition and HbA1c levels. However, there have been very few studies investigating the combined impact of these activities in obese or overweight diabetic individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of Ajwa seed powder on body composition and HbA1c levels among this group of individuals. The study supports sustainable development goals 2 & 3 (Zero Hunger, Good Health and well-being) respectively.

Research Questions

• What would be the impact of ajwa seed powder on HbA1c and body composition in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Hypothesis:

Ajwa seed powder supplementation shows considerable potential to improve body composition and glycemic control among overweight/obese individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives

• To study the impact of Ajwa seed powder supplementation on HbA1c concentration in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus who are either overweight or obese.
• To study any alteration in the parameters of body composition, such as fat mass, visceral fat, and muscle mass, after a 12-week intervention with Ajwa seed powder.

Experimental design An interventional study will be conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, over 12 weeks. The study will consist of 30 adults aged 30-50 years with BMI (25-35 kg/m²) and HbA1c>6.5%.

On consuming Ajwa seeds in powdered form (4 grams per day, in form of either capsules or sachets), participants' HbA1c, body compositions (weight, BMI, waist/hip circumference, fat mass, fat free mass, visceral fat mass) will be assessed using In Body bioelectrical impedance analyzer before and after the intervention.

Statistical analysis The statistical analysis will be performed using the SPSS version 25.0. The paired t-test analysis and the Pearson correlation coefficient will be analyzed.

Expected outcome It is expected that the supplementation of Ajwa seed powder will result in better glycemic control, lean body mass maintenance, and body composition improvement in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patient

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 30-50 years
• Gender: Male/female
• Body Mass Index (BMI): 25-35 kg/m²
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: HbA1c ≥ 6.5% Exclusion criteria History of alcoholic liver disease or cirrhosis; liver dysfunction based on initial blood tests
• Patients being treated with insulin
• High initial levels of serum creatinine (men>1.5 mg/dl; women>1.2 mg/dl)
• Pregnant/lactating females or women who cannot take proper contraceptive measures
• Symptoms consistent with peptic ulcer disease or history of peptic ulcers
• Active cancer patients
• Severe non-diabetes-related illnesses
• Patients with heart, liver, or lung failures
• Patients with blood disorders or on anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin Any other disease as decided by the principal investigator, which might put the safety of the subjects at risk while conducting the test