A new study suggests that a key compound found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may help reduce blood sugar levels. This discovery could offer an affordable and natural way to prevent type 2 diabetes.
The study involved 74 participants aged 35 to 75, all classified as prediabetic and either overweight or obese. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden administered daily doses of either sulforaphane—a compound naturally occurring in cruciferous vegetables—or a placebo over 12 weeks.
Results showed that those who received sulforaphane experienced a significant drop in blood sugar levels. “The treatment of prediabetes is currently lacking in many respects. However, these new findings open the way for possible precision treatment. We can achieve this by using sulforaphane extracted from broccoli. It acts as a functional food,” said Anders Rosengren, a molecular physiologist at the University of Gothenburg.
INDIVIDUALIZED RESPONSES TO TREATMENT
Certain individuals responded even more favorably. People with mild age-related diabetes had significant outcomes. A lower body mass index (BMI) contributed to the effect. Reduced insulin resistance was also a factor. They had fewer signs of fatty liver disease. These individuals saw blood sugar reductions nearly twice the average.
Gut bacteria also played a crucial role. The study identified the bacterial gene BT2160, which is involved in sulforaphane activation. Participants with higher levels of this gene in their gut microbiome experienced an average blood sugar reduction of 0.7 millimoles per liter—compared to an overall reduction of 0.2 mmol/L when comparing sulforaphane to the placebo.
These findings emphasize the need for personalized approaches to prediabetes treatment. Understanding how different individuals respond to specific interventions can enhance the effectiveness of future treatments.
“The study also provides a broader model for how gut flora and metabolic pathways interact, influencing treatment responses,” Rosengren added.
URGENT NEED FOR DIABETES PREVENTION
Prediabetes affects hundreds of millions worldwide, with cases rising rapidly. Between 70% and 80% of those with prediabetes will eventually develop type 2 diabetes. The progression varies by gender. It also varies by diagnostic criteria.
Early intervention is essential, yet many cases of prediabetes go undiagnosed and untreated. While these findings offer hope for new treatment strategies, researchers stress that lifestyle changes remain critical.
“Diet, exercise, and weight management are still the foundation of any prediabetes treatment plan,” Rosengren emphasized.
The study was published in Nature Microbiology.