N/A N=8 Randomized Double-blind Treatment

A Single Supplement of a Standardised Bilberry Extract Modifies Glycaemic Response

Type 2 Diabetes

Bottom Line

View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01245270 ↗

Enrolled (actual)

Serious AEs

0.0%

Results posted

Aug 2014

Primary outcome: Primary: Plasma Glucose iAUC (Incremental Area Under the Curve; mM*Min) — 836; 693 glucose iAUC (mM*min) — p=0.003

Study Design & Population

Study type: Interventional
Phase: N/A
Interventions: Bilberry capsule first, then control cap (Dietary_supplement); Control capsule first then bilberry cap (Dietary_supplement)
Age: Adult, Older Adult · 40+ yrs
Sex: Male
Sponsor: University of Aberdeen
Primary completion: Aug 2013

Outcome Measures

Outcome	Result	p-value
PRIMARY Plasma Glucose iAUC (Incremental Area Under the Curve; mM*Min)	836; 693	0.003 sig
PRIMARY Plasma Insulin iAUC (Incremental Area Under the Curve; ng/ml*Min)	358; 294	0.028 sig
SECONDARY Bioavailability in Plasma	—	—
SECONDARY Bioavailability in Urine	—	—

Summary

Dietary strategies for alleviating health complications associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are being pursued as alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions. Berries such as bilberries that are rich in polyphenols may influence carbohydrate digestion and absorption and thus postprandial glycaemia. In addition berries have been reported to alter incretins as well as to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may also affect postprandial glycaemia. This study investigated the acute affect of a standardised bilberry extract on glucose metabolism in T2D. Eight male volunteers with T2D controlling their diabetes by diet and lifestyle alone were given a single oral capsule of either 0.47g standardized bilberry extract (36% (w/w) anthocyanins) which equates to ∼50 g of fresh bilberries or placebo followed by a polysaccharide drink (equivalent to 75 g glucose) in a double blinded cross over intervention with a two week washout period. This study demonstrates that the ingestion of a concentrated bilberry extract reduces postprandial glycaemia and insulin in volunteers with T2D. The most likely mechanism for the lower glycaemic response involves reduced rates of carbohydrate digestion and/or absorption.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Male subjects
Aged >40 and <70
Clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes controlling their diabetes by diet alone
All subjects must live in the Aberdeenshire area of Scotland

Exclusion Criteria

Medical exclusion criteria
Clinical diagnosis of thromboembolic or coagulation disease
Clinical diagnosis of unregulated thyroid disease
Clinical diagnosis of kidney disease
Clinical diagnosis of severe gastrointestinal disorders
History of Alcohol or any other substance abuse

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Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01245270). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.