Exploring the Relationship between Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Consumption and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Hypertension Comorbidity

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the association between the frequency of bitter gourd consumption and HbA1c levels (Glycated Hemoglobin) among patients with T2DM and those with both T2DM and hypertension (T2DM*HTN). Background: In India, approximately 72.9 million individuals suffer from diabetes, and 317 million experience hypertension. Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia) is traditionally used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds like momordicin I, II and cucurbitacin B, which have antidiabetic effects. Its ability to regulate cholesterol, reduce fat accumulation, and improve antioxidant status supports cardiovascular and glycaemic health. Methodology: A hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 320 patients aged 20 years and older, who were diagnosed with T2DM and/or hypertension. The frequency of bitter gourd consumption was assessed using a formative scale, and statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and Somers’ d statistic to evaluate associations. Results: Among the 320 patients, 31.3% had T2DM, 50.0% had HTN, and 19% showed co-prevalence of T2DM and HTN (T2DM*HTN). The mean age of participants was 47.6 ± 1.07 years for T2DM and 54.5 ± 1.1 years for T2DM*HTN. The mean HbA1c% levels were 8.6 ± 0.2% for T2DM and 8.2 ± 0.1% for T2DM*HTN. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures for T2DM*HTN patients were 136.5 ± 3.4 mmHg and 92.0 ± 2.6 mmHg, respectively. The study identified a modest but significant negative association between bitter gourd consumption and glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) in patients with only diabetes (p < 0.05) suggests that frequent bitter gourd intake may contribute to a gradual reduction in glycemic levels. However, in diabetic hypertensive patients, no statistically significant association was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate a potential role of bitter gourd in managing glycemic levels in T2DM, though further research is required to clarify its effects, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions.