We performed a randomized placebo-controlled trial to determine whether or not fermented red ginseng supplementation modulates blood glucose and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. A total of 38 patients were randomized to either a fermented red ginseng group or placebo group. The patients in the experimental or placebo group consumed 780 mg of fermented red ginseng or cellulose supplement per day for 12 weeks, respectively. Lifestyle factors and dietary intakes of the patients were not altered during the 12-weeks period. In the fermented red ginseng group after 12 weeks, the fasting blood glucose levels were significantly decreased (136.29±16.45 mg/dL to 127.71±17.74 mg/dL) and HbA1c was also decreased. Especially, high HbA1c (HbA1c ≥8%, 8.45±0.56% to 7.82±0.53%) was significantly decreased compared to low HbA1c (HbA1c <8%, 6.71±0.85% to 6.44±0.49%) in the fermented red ginseng group. Serum low-density lipoprotein was slightly decreased in the fermented red ginseng group compared to the placebo group. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance was significantly reduced in the fermented red ginseng group compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that fermented red ginseng supplementation could be helpful to reduce blood glucose by improving insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients.
Purpose: To evaluate the awareness of unmarried Korean women about the relationship between fertility and age with respect to the need to consider oocyte freezing to preserve fertility in cases of delayed marriage and pregnancy. Methods: Our questionnaires were distributed to a total of 350 unmarried women under 40 years old, consisting of 250 visiting patients and 100 medical workers in Oct. 2010 and Dec. 2010. The questionnaire was composed of 25 multiple choice items as follows: Part I, demographic characteristics; Part II, past history and family history for gynecologic disease; Part III, planning for marriage and pregnancy; Part IV, awareness about fecundity and pregnancy complication according to female age; Part V, willingness toward oocyte freezing for social reasons. Results: The mean age of the women who responded was 29.5 years (range 17~40 years). Eighteen percent answered very interested and 23% answered interested to the question Do you " " " " " want the opportunity to preserve your oocytes to prepare for delayed childbirth for social reasons?" while 47% answered not very interested and 11% answered not at all interested. There was " " " " no statistical difference in age, the number of medical worker, history of gynecologic disease, and familial history of premature ovarian insufficiency between positive responder (n=144, 41.4%) and negative responder (n=204, 58.6%) toward oocyte freezing. Conclusion: Even though oocyte freezing is not a widespread procedure in Korean society, oocyte cryopreservation in unmarried women suggests a practical alternative to preserving fertility if its safety, practical effectiveness, and convenience are ensured and communicated to women.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.