Biochemical Study of Consumption Zahdi Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Saba Z. Al-Abachi Sabaalabachi@uomosul.edu.iq ABSTRACT Dates considered one of most significant commercial crops and have been documented in the Holy Quran and scientific references. This study was designed to determine the therapeutic effects of Zahdi variety of dates in control subjects and their effects on glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), antioxidant vitamins (C and E), and inorganic phosphate and calcium excursions. Study subjected twenty-four control group (12 male and 12 females), mean age (42.0±8.69 year), and twenty patients with diabetic type 2 (10 males and 10 females) with a means of HbA1c (9.25 ±2.02 %) and age (47.7±9.33 year). All participants ate a single number of the Zahdi dates (5-7) before breakfasting for a prior twenty-one days. Glucose was measured in control group and for diabetics. Glycemic index (GI) was established as proportion of the gradational areas below the return curves for dates as compared to glucose. Collecting blood samples from patients and control group were collected and the statistical data examinations are achievement by using independent samples and paired t-test. The results indicated a significant increase in glucose, MDA, total cholesterol and TG, while a significant decrease in GSH, vitamins (C and E) and phosphate in patients when compared with control group (previously and in accordance) consumption dates palm. No considerable changes in calcium level between diabetic and control subjects. The consumption of dates palm led to a significant decrease in MDA, total cholesterol, TG, and phosphate, also a significant increase in GSH and vitamin E in diabetic patients when compared with control group.