Effect of gum Arabic (GA) on Lipid Profile in Sudanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus an endocrine disease characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. Gum arabic (GA) is one of the oldest and greatest natural gums and a valuable natural product generated by Acacia Senegal trees. GA is a cash crop in Sudan.Aim. The main aim of this study was to assess the effect of GA on lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins) on diabetic patients.Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among Sudanese volunteers with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thirty samples were collected from diabetic patients. The same patients served as controls via measurements made before the use of GA.Results. The results showed that the serum total cholesterol and (LDL) levels were significantly (P< 0.05) decreased following using of gum Arabic by diabetic patients. In addition, the level of serum total cholesterol decreased significantly after the administration of gum Arabic compared to the all subject on the same group before using. The level of plasma LDL decreased significantly (P< 0.05) after the administration of GA.Conclusions. In prediabetic and diabetic patients, adding GA to food supplements lowers the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins.