Effect of Camel Milk’s Supplementation on Serum Glucose Levels, Lipid Profile and Body Weight of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Cases of diabetes are on the rise in almost every population and epidemiological studies suggest that without proper prevention and control measures, prevalence of the disease will continue to increase globally. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of camel milk supplementation on serum glucose, lipid profile and body weight of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by intravenous injection of alloxan (80mg/kg body weight). Diabetic rats showed significantly higer blood glucose levels (9.68±1.36 mmol/L). Treatment with camel milk significantly decreases blood glucose levels (5.33±0.46) p<0.05 compared to control. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in high density lipoprotein cholesterol in diabetic untreated rats as compared with control group. However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a significant increase (p<0.05) in high density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in diabetic treated with camel milk group as compared with diabetic untreated group. No significant change in body weights were observed in all experimental groups during the period of the experiment. The current study demonstrates the efficacy of camel milk in management of diabetes in alloxan induced diabetic rats. This suggests that camel milk may have important implication in the management of diabetes. Further studies are required to elucidate the safety as well as the mechanism of action.

Keywords: Camel Milk, Serum glucose, Lipid profile, Diabetes