Effect of Flaxseed Supplementation on Glycemic Control in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Controlled Interventional Study

Abstract

 Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Dietary interventions are increasingly being explored as adjuncts to conventional diabetes management. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), rich in dietary fiber, lignans, and omega-3 fatty acids, has shown potential benefits in improving glycemic control. The impact of flaxseed supplementation on glycaemic indices in patients with newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes was assessed in this study. Methods: A controlled interventional study was conducted over one year at a specialty diabetes clinic in Pune, India. Sixty newly diagnosed T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) patients were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 30) receiving 20 g of flaxseed powder daily along with standard medical treatment and dietary advice, and a control group (n = 30) receiving only standard treatment and dietary advice. The intervention lasted 90 days. At baseline and at the conclusion of the trial, measurements of FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar), PPBS (Postprandial Blood Sugar), HbA1c, and BMI (Body Mass Index) were taken. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis, and p<0.05 was deemed significant. Results: After 3 months, the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in FBS, PPBS, and HbA1c levels compared with the control group (p<0.001). A significant improvement in BMI was also observed in the flaxseed-supplemented group. These findings indicate that flaxseed supplementation enhanced both short-term and long-term glycemic control in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. Conclusion: Daily supplementation with 20 g flaxseed powder for 90 days significantly improved glycemic control and reduced BMI in newly diagnosed, non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients. Flaxseed may serve as a safe, cost-effective, and nutritionally beneficial adjunct to conventional diabetes management. Further large-scale and long-term studies are recommended to confirm these findings.