Effect of Cucurbita Maxima on Control of Blood Glucose in Diabetic Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Cucurbita maxima Duchense (C. maxima) has been widely used in China and Mexico as a hypoglycemic plant for controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients. Furthermore, in northwest of Iran, this plant is used traditionally for controlling of diabetes. We examined the effect of C. maxima pulp besides insulin on control of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients admitted to Intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Twenty critically ill patients who were admitted to the ICU were enrolled in this study. 5g lyophilized powder of C. maxima was administrated every 12 hours for 3 days. Moreover, blood glucose level and insulin dose were measured every 1-4 hours during 3 days before administration and 3days at the time of C. maxima administration. Results: The average of glucose level in 3 days before C. maxima administration was 214.9 ± 55.7 mg/dl, while in 3 days during C. maxima administration it was decreased to 178.4 ± 36.1 mg/dl (P<0.001). Additionally, the average insulin dose during 3 days before intervention was 48.05 ± 36.5 IU and during the 3 days of C. maxima administration was decreased to 39.5 ± 27.8 IU (P=0.06). Conclusion: It seems that C. maxima may decrease high blood glucose level fast and effective in diabetic critically ill patients.

Keywords: Cucurbita maxima, Blood glucose, Hyperglycemia, Critical illness, Intensive care unit