Understanding Artificial Pancreas Systems: Results from a 24-Month Trial

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HbA1c decreased by 0.04% in the Allium hookeri group while increasing by 0.07% in the placebo group over 8 weeks, resulting in a statistically significant difference (p=0.012). This represents a modest but meaningful improvement in long-term glycemic control.

The 1-hour glucose level during oral glucose tolerance testing showed a significant difference between groups (p=0.040), but this was primarily due to an unexpected 18.5 mg/dL increase in the placebo group rather than a clear decrease in the treatment group (which only decreased by 0.68 mg/dL).

Incremental area under the curve for glucose during OGTT showed a significant difference (p=0.040), with the AHE group decreasing by 3.25 h*mg/dL while the placebo group increased by 24.98 h*mg/dL. However, the finding appears driven more by placebo group increases than treatment group decreases.

Fasting plasma glucose showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.569), with minimal changes in both the AHE group (+0.64 mg/dL) and placebo group (-0.77 mg/dL).

Fasting insulin levels showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.094), though there was a trend toward increase in the AHE group (+1.89 μU/mL) versus minimal change in placebo (-0.06 μU/mL).

Total cholesterol showed minimal changes in both groups with no significant difference (p=0.963).

Triglyceride levels showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.730).

LDL cholesterol showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.759).

HDL cholesterol showed no significant difference between groups (p=0.201).

Aqueous extract from Allium hookeri roots standardized to contain 0.65-0.98 mg/g cycloalliin, administered as 486 mg/day (243 mg twice daily) for 8 weeks

HbA1c decreased significantly in the Allium hookeri group compared to placebo after 8 weeks

The supplement was well tolerated with no serious adverse events

Changes in postprandial glucose response showed significant group differences, though partly due to placebo group increases

The significant reduction in HbA1c suggests Allium hookeri extract may have potential as a supplementary approach for improving glycemic control in people with prediabetes. However, the small sample size and short duration require caution in interpretation. The findings are consistent with previous animal and cell culture studies showing anti-diabetic effects through mechanisms involving pancreatic beta-cell protection, improved insulin sensitivity, and favorable adipocytokine modulation.

Allium hookeri aqueous extract (AHE) standardized to contain 0.65-0.98 mg/g cycloalliin. Participants took 243 mg capsules twice daily (total 486 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The extract was prepared by hot air-drying and water extraction of Allium hookeri roots, then freeze-drying. Placebo capsules contained microcrystalline cellulose with garlic and caramel flavoring to match appearance and taste.

Park SH, Bae UJ, Choi EK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of Allium hookeri extract in the subjects with prediabetes. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20:211. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03005-3

After 8 weeks of supplementation, HbA1c levels decreased by 0.04% in the AHE group while increasing by 0.07% in the placebo group, resulting in a statistically significant difference (p=0.012). During oral glucose tolerance testing, 1-hour glucose levels and incremental area under the curve showed significant differences between groups (p=0.040 for both), though this was primarily due to unexpected increases in the placebo group. Fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and lipid parameters showed no significant differences. No serious adverse events occurred, and all safety parameters remained within normal ranges.

Very small sample size (30 enrolled, 22 completed)

Short 8-week duration limits assessment of long-term effects

Some glucose findings driven by unexpected placebo group increases

Limited to Korean population with prediabetes

An 8-week trial in 30 Korean adults with prediabetes found that Allium hookeri extract supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits for glycemic control.

This was a small pilot study with only 30 participants (22 completers), limiting the ability to generalize findings to broader populations. The 8-week duration provides limited information about long-term efficacy and safety. The crossover design had a 4-week washout period, which may be insufficient for a supplement affecting HbA1c. Dietary intake and physical activity were not strictly controlled, which could have influenced results. Some significant glucose findings appeared driven by unexpected increases in the placebo group rather than clear decreases in the treatment group.

HbA1c ↓ (decreased from baseline compared to placebo)

1-hour post-OGTT glucose ↑ in placebo group (significant group difference)

Glucose iAUC ↑ in placebo group (significant group difference)

The American Diabetes Association's annual clinical practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for diabetes prevention, including lifestyle interventions and pharmacologic approaches for people with prediabetes. These guidelines emphasize the importance of weight loss, physical activity, and dietary modifications to prevent or delay progression to type 2 diabetes.

Standards of Care in Diabetes 2025 - Prevention or Delay of Diabetes

This comprehensive network meta-analysis evaluated pharmacologic and supplement interventions for prediabetes management, comparing efficacy and safety of various treatments. The review provides context for understanding how herbal supplements compare to standard approaches for glycemic control in prediabetes populations.

Efficacy and safety of anti-prediabetic drugs in patients with prediabetes: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

The CDC provides comprehensive educational resources about prediabetes, including risk factors, screening recommendations, and evidence-based prevention strategies. This resource emphasizes lifestyle modification programs proven to reduce diabetes risk by up to 58% in people with prediabetes.

Prediabetes - Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

This was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Thirty Korean adults with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-126 mg/dL) were randomly assigned to receive either Allium hookeri extract (486 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period, then crossed over to the opposite treatment. Outcomes included fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test responses, HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide, and lipid profiles.

Allium hookeri extract reduces HbA1c levels in prediabetic adults

This small crossover trial tested a traditional Asian herb extract (Allium hookeri) in adults with prediabetes. After 8 weeks, those taking the extract had lower HbA1c levels compared to placebo, suggesting the supplement may help with blood sugar control.

This is a small pilot study that needs confirmation in larger, longer trials before clinical recommendations can be made. The supplement has not been tested in people with diagnosed diabetes or those already taking diabetes medications. The crossover design may have limitations for assessing HbA1c, which reflects 3-month average glucose levels. Individual responses may vary, and the supplement should not replace standard medical care for prediabetes.

Effects of Allium hookeri extract on blood sugar control in adults with prediabetes

This study was conducted in Korean adults aged 54 years on average with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-126 mg/dL) and average BMI of 25.8 kg/m². Results may be most relevant to Asian populations with prediabetes who are otherwise healthy and not taking diabetes medications.

Allium hookeri extract reduces HbA1c levels in prediabetic adults

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