Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physican Assistant Studies

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate current evidence regarding the effectiveness of curcumin supplementation on glycemic control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes. Specifically, this paper examines whether curcumin improves glycemic outcomes when compared to standard treatment or placebo.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on glycemic control and β-cell function in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. Randomized controlled trials involving adult human subjects that reported glycemic outcomes, including HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, or insulin levels, were included. Studies involving animal models, non-interventional designs, irrelevant glycemic endpoints, or combination herbal therapies in which curcumin was not the primary isolated compound were excluded.

Results: Curcumin supplementation demonstrated mild/ modest improvement in glycemic control compared with placebo or standard care. Fasting plasma glucose had the most consistent benefit, with reductions ranging from approximately 7-18 mg/dL. HbA1c improvements were smaller (approximately 0.2%-0.5%) and less consistent across studies. Greater glycemic improvements were noted at higher curcumin dosing and longer durations of treatment (typically those exceeding 12 week). The strength of evidence was limited in smaller sample sizes and studies with heterogeneity.

Conclusion: Curcumin supplementation demonstrates mild improvement in glycemic control, particularly fasting plasma glucose, in adults with Type 2 Diabetes and prediabetes. The literature review supports its use as an adjunct to guideline directed therapy rather than independent use. Due to the best diagnostic of glucose management being HbA1c the use of long-term studies with larger patient samples and would aid further establishment of a clinical role.

Keywords: Curcumin, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, glycemic control, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, B-cell function

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Anushka Vohra is an anticipated July 2026 graduate of the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. She developed a special interest in Cardiology and plans to practice as a Physician Assistant in Illinois. Her graduate project, Curcumin Supplementation for Glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes, reflects her interest in preventative practice of medicine and complementary therapies to improve patient care. 

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