Effect of Probiotic Fermented Milk (Kefir) on Some Blood Biochemical Parameters Among Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Adult Males in Gaza Governorate

Kefir is natural probiotic milk. It is a complex mixture of bacteria, yeasts, many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Previous studies reported that Kefir has a hypoglycemic effect, and it may have an antitumor effect, intestinal immunity, antimicrobial effect and regulate cholesterol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of kefir intake on some blood biochemical parameter among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic adult male patients in Gaza Government. It was a case-control study experiment and was carried out on the 42 newly diagnosed diabetic male patients aged from 37-65 years. They were divided into two groups (control and case). The control group received Metformin only. The case group are patients who intake a cup of Kefir daily with a Metformin. Blood collection sample for biochemical analysis was carried out at the beginning of the study and after 10 weeks. The results of the study showed that there were no statistically significant differences in fasting blood sugar (FBS) at the beginning of the study between the two groups (P=0.22). After an intervention with Kefir milk, fasting blood glucose was significantly decreased among patients taking Kefir milk (P<0.05). After the intervention, glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) was reduced significantly (P=0.001). Also, there was an increase in calcium concentration correlated with a decrease in phosphorus and no significant differences in Kidney functions except uric acid. There was an improvement in cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) only in lipid profile. On conclusion, kefir has potential effect in the reduction of FBS, HbA1c and phosphorous with increase in calcium among diabetic adult males.