Panacea Journal of Health Science

Volume 1, paper 4
ISSN : 2278- 4330

Materials and methods

The research study was undertaken to determine the effect of fenugreek leaves and
spinach leaves on Type 2 diabetic subjects. The study was conducted at Dr. V. Seshiah diabetes
centre, Chennai. The sample design adopted for the study was purposive sampling. The
experimental design consisted of “Experiment before and after with control group design”. The
study was conducted in three phases .During the first phase , the subjects were screened using a
structured interview developed by the researcher, which consisted of demographic details and
information regarding their overall health profile like the Anthropometry ( ht, wt, BMI and waist
circumference) and three day dietary recall. After initial screening, 18 subjects were selected for
the study and were divided into experimental group I , experimental group II and control group
consisting of six subjects in each group. Biochemical parameter namely Fasting, post prandial
and HBA1C were assessed initially for all the subjects.

The second phase of the study consisted of development and standardization of the
fenugreek khakras. 40grams of the fenugreek leaves were washed and chopped finely and mixed
with wheat flour,. Salt, chill powder, turmeric powder were added and rolled into a dough. The
balls were made into thin chappatis and roasted until a crisp texture was obtained .Same
procedure was followed for the preparation of spinach leaves Khakra.

The subjects were contacted at their residence with the consent of the physician. The
subjects belonging to the experimental group I received fenugreek leaves khakra and
experimental group II received spinach leaves khakra. The subjects were asked to consume two
khakras daily containing 40g of fenugreek leaves and spinach leaves as their evening snack. The
subjects were contacted once in three days and fresh khakras were distributed. Since khakra is a
dry product it has a long shelf life. The supplementation period was 60 days. The fasting and
Post prandial blood sugar levels was measured on the 30th and 60th of the supplementation
period. The HbA1C value was measured on the 0th and 60th day of the supplementation period as
it is indicates the average blood glucose. Based on the above biochemical assessment the
efficacy of supplements were compared in the study group with the control group. The data
obtained were analyzed statistically using percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation and
paired’t test’.

Results and discussion

The present study aimed at analyzing the efficacy of fenugreek leaves and spinach leaves
khakra over one another in their blood glucose lowering effect.