(P22-031-25) Effects of 12-Week Curcumin Supplementation on Glucose Homeostasis and Gut Health in Older Adults With Prediabetes: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives: The prevalence of diabetes increases with age, and food bioactive compounds have shown promise in mitigating its development. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in older adults with prediabetes.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited elderly participants (n=28, aged 60 years or older) with prediabetes or obesity. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin or placebo capsules for 12 weeks. To access the effects of curcumin on diabetic outcomes, we measured blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum insulin levels, body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, body composition, and gut microbiome composition (from fecal samples) before and after the intervention. Data were checked for normality, and statistical analyses included two-way repeated measures ANOVA or non-parametric t-test to detect the differences between the groups and over time.

Results: After 12 weeks of supplementation, HbA1c levels significantly decreased in the curcumin group, whereas no change was observed in the placebo group. Total cholesterol significantly increased in the placebo-supplemented group but remained stable in the curcumin group. Both groups showed a reduction in hepatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels over the intervention period, though the change was not significant in the curcumin group. In contrast, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased in both groups, with a significant increase in the curcumin group. Consequently, the ALT/AST ratio significantly decreased in both groups. No significant changes were observed in serum insulin level, BMI, lipid profiles, and body composition over the intervention period. Gut microbiome analysis showed no significant changes in alpha diversity, beta diversity, or bacterial composition due to either curcumin or placebo supplementation.

Conclusions: Curcumin supplementation improved glucose homeostasis, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes in older adults with prediabetes. However, long-term studies with larger populations are needed to strengthen the evidence for incorporating curcumin into clinical recommendations.

Funding Sources: This research is supported by OTTOGI HAM TAIHO Foundation and Barbara K. Pass Nutritional Sciences Research Grant.