Impact of Adding a Millet Diet on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Context: Millets contain complex carbs, which are "good" kinds of carbs. These carbs do not propel blood sugar to rise to a dangerous extent. These findings should provide insight into the possibility of ameliorating type 2 diabetes through diet modulation.

Aims: This study aims to study the effect of millet intake on glycemic control and lipid profile on patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Settings and design: This study was a cross-sectional study.

Materials and methods: After following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, study participants were enrolled. Baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile were recorded at day zero. A booklet on millet uses and its benefits on glycemic control were provided to the patients in their vernacular language. A daily diary was provided to each patient to note down their daily intake of millets. At the end of 6 weeks, HbA1c and lipid profile of each patient was recorded.

Statistical analysis used: The results of the study were analyzed by nonparametric Wilcoxon's test of significance and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used.

Results: There was a significant change in both glycemic control and lipid profile of the study participants. The fasting blood sugar (FBS) for the study participants reduced by more than 20% from 237 ± 50 to 188 ± 33, which is statistically significant with a P < 0.05. Further, there was a 2.7% statistically significant reduction in the HbA1c levels of the study participants.

Conclusions: The intake of millet even in a single meal per day significantly improved the glycemic control, especially the FBS and lipid profile.