Glucose-lowering effects of Momordica charantia (Karela) extract in diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood glucose levels (Hogan et al, 2003). It occurs due to either a lack of insulin production (Type 1 DM) or deficient activity in the presence of normal or even elevated levels of insulin (Type 2 DM). Type 2 DM, which accounts for over 90% of the cases, leads to disordered metabolism of carbohydrate and fat. Chronic DM causes microvascular and macrovascular complications, where the microvascular effects include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Macro-vascular complications, on the other hand, include hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, and stroke (Lucy et al, 2002).