Effect of camel milk in comparison with cow milk on blood glucose and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical trial

Context: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder. In traditional medicine, camel milk has been used in the treatment of some of diseases such as diabetes. The studies on effect of camel milk on glycemic control are limited and contradictory. Aims: The effect of camel milk on blood glucose and lipids in T2DM patients and compare it with the control group. Setting and Design: This case-controlled clinical trial study was performed in the endocrinology clinic in Iran. Materials and Methods: 50 patients with T2DM were allocated into two groups. 25 participants in the intervention group consumed 500 ml camel milk and 25 participants in the control group consumed 500 ml cow milk daily for 8 weeks. Weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were measured at the baseline and end of intervention. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS v.16, independent t-test and analysis of covariance. Results: Mean of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and TG concentration was significantly decreased in the camel milk group at the end of the study (P < 0.05). There was an increase in HbA1c in the cow's milk group, while the TG was not changed in this group. No significant differences were shown in weight, FBS, and TC at the end of the study in comparison with baseline values in any of the two groups. Conclusion: Camel milk can improve glycemic control according to HbA1c index. It might contribute to decreasing TG level in patients with T2DM.