Effect of Sago-based Product on Glycaemic and Lipid Control in Diabetes

SAGODM trial is a parallel, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial on the effect of consuming sago starch for 12 weeks on glycaemic and lipid control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients who had HbA1C between 6.5% and 8.5% and had no change in the antidiabetic treatment for the past two months (primary inclusion criteria) were invited to participate in the trial. They were randomised to either the intervention arm or control arm in a ratio of 1:1. The subjects will consume either a drink containing 25g of Sarawak sago starch (intervention) or 25g of corn starch (control) in approximately 200mL of water, two times a day, before lunch and dinner for 12 weeks. They will receive standardised dietary counselling for diabetes given by the hospital dietitian at baseline. They will also be asked to record their dietary intake for three consecutive days every month. Blood samples will be taken at baseline and the last visit (post-12 weeks). The study endpoints will be evaluated after 12 weeks of starch consumption.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 - 70 years old
• Individual diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least three months
• Not on any antidiabetic medications or on lifestyle modification or taking a stable dose of oral hypoglycaemic agents, with no change of dose and regime for the past eight weeks
• Has HbA1C values of 6.5 - 8.5% within 28 days before commencing the study
• Able to complete the clinical study, and
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• History of allergy to sago starch or corn starch
• History of allergy to any other ingredients in the study foods
• Clinically significant, active and acute cardiovascular disease
• Clinically significant, stage 4 - 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30mL/min/1.73m2), chronic kidney failure
• Clinically significant chronic liver disease or infection
• Any malignancies
• Regular use of hormone medications, anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, or other medications that might interfere with outcome measure
• On a prescribed therapeutic diet
• Taking part in weight loss programme
• Clinically significant abnormal laboratory investigations
• Other medical conditions or reasons, in the opinion of the Investigator or Research Physician, that make one unsuitable to join the study
• Concurrent participation in other clinical studies involving intervention or treatment towards obesity, diabetes or impaired glucose
• Pregnant or lactating mothers