Blood Glucose Measurement in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Comparative Treatment with a Medicinal Plant

Abstract

The management of non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension remains a concern in developing countries. In Guinea, whether by choice or necessity, traditional medicine and herbal remedies are the primary recourse for the population, both in rural and urban areas. Previous investigations led to the development of two phytomedicines designed for managing essential hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes (DT2), named “Guinex-HTN®” and “Sattagas.” An evaluation of their therapeutic benefits was conducted during a prevalence survey carried out in Dubréka. This survey revealed a prevalence of 73.52% (211/287) for HTN, 36.58% (105/287) for DT2, and 33.45% (96/287) for combined DT2/HTN. The therapeutic potential of Sattagas and the combination of Sattagas with Guinex-HTN were assessed in diabetic and hypertensive diabetic patients, respectively. Comparisons were made between Sattagas, Metformin, Sattagas plus Metformin, and Sattagas plus Guinex-HTN regarding their impact on blood glucose levels and/or blood pressure values. After 6 months of treatment with 2 x 2 capsules per day, the anti-diabetic potential of Sattagas was confirmed by a significant reduction in blood glucose levels (from 2.59 ± 0.43 to 1.22 ± 0.43) in 80.95% (85/105) of patients, as well as a significant decrease in blood pressure values (from 177 ± 20.77/98 ± 10.70 to 149 ± 29.02/85 ± 13.64) in 90.16% (55/61) of hypertensive diabetics. The anti-diabetic effect of Sattagas (from 2.19 ± 0.29 to 1.22 ± 0.31 g/l) was similar to that of Metformin (from 2.14 ± 0.23 to 1.28 ± 0.41 g/l), and a synergistic effect was observed when Sattagas was combined with Metformin (from 2.21 ± 0.49 to 1.10 ± 0.20 g/l). In hypertensive diabetics, the combination of Sattagas and Guinex-HTN demonstrated a beneficial effect on blood pressure values. Except for some symptoms (epigastric pain, nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue) reported in 17 out of 103 patients that did not interfere with the continuation of treatment, both phytomedicines were well tolerated. Sattagas and Guinex-HTN, two products derived from Guinean pharmacopoeia, represent interesting and accessible alternatives for managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension, particularly among underprivileged populations in rural and urban areas of Guinea.