Effect of Flaxseed Supplementation on Glycemic Control among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at El Mahsama Family Medicine Center, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health problem. Egypt has one of the highest burdens in the region, with adult prevalence estimated at 15.2% .Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), rich in alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, and lignans, has shown potential benefits for glycemic control; however, local evidence evaluating its effectiveness among Egyptian patients remains scarce. Aim: To assess the effect of flaxseed supplementation on glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 146 participants with type 2 Diabetes mellitus, attending El Mahsama family practice center, Ismailia. Participants were randomly assigned in 2 equal groups to flaxseed powder extract (30 g/day) or placebo (30 g starch) in identical capsules for 6 months, alongside standard care . Follow-up occurred at 2, 4, and 6 months. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 hours post prandial blood glucose (2HPPG) were assessed at baseline and in each visit, while glycosylated hemoglobin was assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in HbA1c (p < 0.001), 2-hour postprandial glucose at two and four months (p = 0.001, p < 0.001), and fasting blood sugar at four months (p < 0.001) compared with the control group, without serious side effects. Conclusions: The addition of flaxseed as a dietary supplement significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. It was well tolerated and may represent a safe, affordable, and practical adjunct to standard diabetes management, particularly in resource-limited clinical settings