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Background: Diabetes mellitus [DM) is a fast-increasing non-communicable disease in South Africa, with a prevalence of 11.3%. The present study aimed to longitudinally investigate the association of carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT) progression and cardiovascular risk factors in the T2DM and non-DM rural black population of South Africa. Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Dikgale Mamabolo Mothiba Surveillance area between 2014 and 2023 by the Africa Wits INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Research (AWI-Gen). The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27 was used to analyze data. The paired T-test was used to determine the mean differences between baseline and follow-up. Longitudinal estimates of the association of CIMT with CVD risk factors in the T2DM and non-DM groups were analyzed using linear mixed models. Results: The baseline mean age was 51.64 years. There was a significant increase in CIMT (left and mean CIMT), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate in the T2DM and non-DM groups. In the T2DM group, there was a strong significant association between age (2.20 mm), LDL-C (4.30 mm), SBP (4.57 mm), and waist/hip ratio (0.24 mm) with CIMT progression. The non-DM group revealed a significant association between LDL-C (0.001 mm), SBP (1.41 mm), and CIMT progression. Conclusion: CIMT was associated with other main CVD-related risk factors (age, LDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TC/HDL-C ratio, waist/hip ratio, and SBP). CIMT progression was more pronounced in the T2DM group than non-DM, suggesting a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications in T2DM individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling hyperglycemia and inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important approach to control diabetes. The use of phytochemicals found in natural herbs has been investigated widely, and there are inconsistent findings in clinical trials, likely associated with a small sample size. A meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed by conducting a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOHost, and Web of Sciences. The search terms included Curcumin longa, turmeric, curcumin, curcuma xanthorrhiza, diferuloylmethane, and type 2 diabetes. Data were analyzed using an online meta-analysis tool, Jamovi version 2.4.8 and IBM SPSS statistics version 29. The data were reported as either mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals. The evidence from 18 trials with 1382 T2D with a mean age of 55.9 years was analyzed. Supplementation with curcumin led to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, MD = −11.48 mg/dL, 95%CI (−14.26, −8.70), p < 0.01 and glycated hemoglobin, MD = −0.54%, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.35), p < 0.01. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in C-Reactive Protein in curcumin compared to a placebo, SMD = −0.59, 95%CI (−1.11, −0.07), p = 0.03. The findings observed in this study suggest that curcumin can ameliorate hyperglycemia and inflammation in T2D compared to a placebo. While the potential benefits were observed, it is recommended that future trials focus on finding a suitable dose and duration of intervention and incorporate formulation in curcumin to enhance its absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, is rising. While pharmacological treatments for dyslipidemia and associated CVDs exist, not all individuals can afford them, and those who do often experience adverse side effects. Preclinical studies have indicated the potential benefits of Abelmoschus esculentus and its active phytochemicals in addressing dyslipidemia in rodent models of diabetes. However, there is limited clinical evidence on lipid parameters. Thus, this study aimed to assess the potential impact of Abelmoschus esculentus on dyslipidemia. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for relevant trials published from inception until 11 August 2024. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi software version 2.4.8 and Review Manager (version 5.4), with effect estimates reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The evidence from eight studies with nine treatment arms showed that Abelmoschus esculentus reduces total cholesterol (TC), SMD = −0.53 (95% CI: −1.00 to −0.07), p = 0.025), compared to placebo. Additionally, triglyceride (TG) was reduced in Abelmoschus esculentus compared to placebo, SMD = −0.24 (95% CI: −0.46 to −0.02), p = 0.035. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was also reduced, SMD = −0.35 (95% CI: −0.59 to −0.11), p = 0.004 in Abelmoschus esculentus versus placebo. This remedy substantially increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), SMD = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.61), p = 0.014). Abelmoschus esculentus substantially improved lipid profile in prediabetes, T2D, obesity, and diabetic nephropathy. While the evidence confirms the potential benefits of Abelmoschus esculentus in reducing dyslipidemia, it is important for future clinical studies to standardize the effective dosage for more reliable results. Therefore, future trials should focus on these markers in well-designed trials with sufficient sample sizes. Furthermore, Abelmoschus esculentus can be supplemented to the diet of the relevant populations to alleviate dyslipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]