EXPERIENCE OF USING THE FOOD PRODUCT SUGAR-FREE BITTER CHOCOLATE 68% WITH AN EXTRACT OF GYNURA PLANT IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Background. Currently, diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the main medical and social health problems. Most patients with type 2 diabetes do not have an opportunity to exercise regularly. At the same time, due to the multifactorial nature of the disease, patients with DM have to take up to 200 tablets per week, which can significantly reduce their adherence to treatment. The role of dietary therapy with glycemic-lowering foods is therefore even more important. In particular, these include products containing extracts of the herb Gynura, which have been proven to be effective in a number of laboratory studies. Purpose. To determine the effectiveness of the product containing the herb Gynura in patients with type 2 DM. Materials and methods. A clinical observation of the effectiveness of the product with the herb Gynura in patients with type 2 diabetes in addition to ongoing antidiabetic therapy for 21 days was carried out. A total of 23 patients participated, the average age of whom was 47.2∑5.5 years and disease duration was 6.1∑3.2 years. Results. At the end of the consumption of dark chocolate “Gynura”, patients showed a significant decrease in body weight, improvement in glycemic indices, and a positive effect on liver function parameters. There were no negative effects on kidney and pancreatic function. Conclusion. Daily intake of chocolate with the herb Gynura promotes weight loss and improves carbohydrate metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.