The effect of zingiber officinale on prooxidant-antioxidant balance and glycemic control in diabetic patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis: a double-blind randomized control trial

Background Diabetes management in hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease needs precision to avoid complications. The study aimed to investigate the effect of ginger supplementation on prooxidant-antioxidant balance, glycemic management, and renal function in diabetic hemodialysis patients. Trial design and methods Forty-four patients were randomly allocated to either the ginger or the placebo group in this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients in the ginger group received 2000 mg/d ginger for eight weeks, whereas those in the placebo group received equivalent placebos. After a 12- to 14-h fast, serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, urea, creatinine, and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. The homeostatic model evaluation of insulin resistance was used to determine insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results Serum levels of FBG ( p = 0.001 ), HOMA-IR ( p = 0.001 ), and urea ( p = 0.017 ) were considerably lower in the ginger group compared to baseline, and the difference was significant when compared to the placebo group ( p < 0.05 ). Moreover, ginger supplementation decreased serum levels of creatinine ( p = 0.034 ) and PAB ( p = 0.013 ) within the group, but the effect was insignificant between groups (p > 0.05) . On the other hand, insulin levels did not vary significantly across and among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion In summary, this study indicated that in diabetic hemodialysis patients, ginger could result to lower blood glucose levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and lower serum urea levels. Further studies with a more extended intervention period and various doses and forms of ginger are needed. Trial registration IRCT20191109045382N2. (06/07/2020), Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/trial/48467