Effect of Sago-based Product on Glycaemic and Lipid Control in Diabetes

SAGODM trial is a parallel, randomised, double-blind, controlled trial on the effect of consuming sago starch for 12 weeks on glycaemic and lipid control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients who had HbA1C between 6.5% and 8.5% and had no change in the antidiabetic treatment for the past two months (primary inclusion criteria) were invited to participate in the trial. They were randomised to either the intervention arm or control arm in a ratio of 1:1. The subjects will consume either a drink containing 25g of Sarawak sago starch (intervention) or 25g of corn starch (control) in approximately 200mL of water, two times a day, before lunch and dinner for 12 weeks. They will receive standardised dietary counselling for diabetes given by the hospital dietitian at baseline. They will also be asked to record their dietary intake for three consecutive days every month. Blood samples will be taken at baseline and the last visit (post-12 weeks). The study endpoints will be evaluated after 12 weeks of starch consumption.