Innovative rice to treat diabetes patients

MAHA SARAKHAM, Nov 20 (TNA) -- Researchers at Mahasarakham University have introduced the rice that slowly releases sugar into blood and is thus suitable for diabetes patients. Prof Sampan Ritthidech, president of the university, said that researchers of the university processed rice from the Thung Kula Ronghai area which could slowly release sugar during the body’s digestive process. The processed rice was suitable for diabetes patients who needed to control the sugar level of their blood, he said. A leading researcher who developed the rice, Assoc Prof Siritorn Siri-amornpan of the university’s Faculty of Technology said that normal white rice had the glycemic index (GI) of about 90 but the processed rice’s GI was below 55. GI indicates the speed of sugar transfers from carbohydrate and sweet foods to blood circulation. The processed rice was served to type 2 diabetes patients, who did not depend on insulin, for three months and their accumulative blood sugar dropped significantly. The effect was similar to that of diabetes drugs which had side effects on kidneys after long use, she said. Assoc Prof Siritorn said the processed rice was already commercially developed and available at health product stores. Interested parties could inquire about the product and the research from Mahasarakham University.(TNA)