Effect of camel milk on glycemic control and insulin requirement in patients with type 1 diabetes: 2-years randomized controlled trial

Background/Objectives: Hypoglycemic effect of camel milk supplementation in experimental rat model and significant reduction in doses of insulin in type 1 diabetic patients have been observed in our previous studies. This long-term study was undertaken to assess the efficacy, safety and acceptability of camel milk as an adjunct to insulin therapy in type 1 diabetics. Subjects/Methods: In this 2-year randomized clinical, parallel design study, 24 type 1 diabetics were enrolled and divided into two groups. Group I (n = 12) received usual care, that is, diet, exercise and insulin and Group II (n = 12) received 500 ml camel milk in addition to the usual care. Insulin requirement was titrated weekly by blood glucose estimation. Results were analyzed by using the regression technique. Results: In camel milk group, there was decrease in mean blood glucose (118.58 +/- 19-93.16 +/- 17.06 mg/dl), hemoglobin A1c levels (7.81 +/- 1.39-5.44 +/- 0.81%) and insulin doses (32.50 +/- 9.99-17.50 +/- 12.09 U/day, P<0.05). Out of 12 subjects receiving camel milk, insulin requirement in 3 subjects reduced to zero. There was nonsignificant change in plasma insulin and anti-insulin antibodies in both the groups. Conclusion: It may be stated that camel milk is safe and efficacious in improving long-term glycemic control, with a significant reduction in the doses of insulin in type 1 diabetic patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) 65, 1048-1052; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2011.98; published online 1 June 2011