Evaluating the Synergistic Activity of Metformin and Apple Cider Vinegar in Type 2 Diabetics

Aims: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in combination with Metformin on the Body Mass Index (BMI) and glycemic control of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.

Study Design: Single arm pre post quasi experimental clinical trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine of a tertiary care hospital and a Diabetes and Endocrinology clinic, based in Karachi, Pakistan from April to July 2019.

Methodology: A total of 30 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study (Males: 17; females: 13; age range: 27-55 years) after obtaining written informed consent. The parameters of Body weight, BMI, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of each patient were assessed before and after 12 weeks of treatment with Metformin 750 mg plus 2 tablespoons of ACV per day. The baseline and post treatment values of the aforementioned were compared with each other.

Results: In all the 30 patients assessed after 12 weeks of treatment, the weight was significantly reduced from 85.66±18.30 kg. to 82.96±18.43 kg with a consequently significant change in the BMI from 29.38±5.08 kg/m2 to 28.43±5.16 kg/m2. Moreover, the glycemic control, assessed as FBS and HbA1c also showed significant reduction in the FBS (127.76±9.17 to 121.23±9.54) and HbA1c (7.14±0.29 to 6.92±0.29) after 12 weeks of treatment in all 30 patients (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Apple Cider Vinegar seems to be effective therapy in combination with metformin for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in improving glycemic control as well as augmenting weight reduction.