A ground-breaking clinical trial using Olive Leaf Extract to treat type-2 diabetes is being conducted by researchers at Southern Cross University in collaboration with Torrens University for people living on the Northern Rivers.

In Australia more than 1.2 million people live with type-2 diabetes, a chronic condition characterised by poor blood glucose control, which can lead to serious complications if unchecked.

Researchers estimate that only half the people with diabetes maintain their correct blood glucose ranges.

This study, funded by the Olive Wellness Institute, Vital.ly and Oborne Health Supplies, aims to discover whether Olive Leaf Extract can improve blood glucose control in people with type-2 diabetes.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Matthew Leach from Southern Cross University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine said Olive Leaf Extract presented a relatively safe and low-cost treatment option for those who cannot maintain good blood glucose control.

“There are a significant number of people who do not maintain good blood glucose control. This can be for several reasons such as limited access to suitable treatments and services, cost and complexity of treatment, and inadequate diabetes education,” said Associate Professor Leach.

“Medications typically prescribed for diabetes aim to improve blood glucose control.

“Although these medicines are effective in doing so, they are not always well tolerated due to frequent adverse effects.

“In order to reduce the burden of diabetes on these individuals, it is important that safer and equally effective treatments are identified and tested, such as Olive Leaf Extract.”

Studies in laboratories have found Olive Leaf Extract may act on multiple metabolic pathways to improve blood glucose control, but strong clinical research is needed to support its use in clinical practice.

“This clinical trial hopes to enable people living with diabetes, and health care providers, to make informed decisions about using this treatment to complement their diabetes care,” Associate Professor Leach said.

“Ultimately leading to better outcomes for people with diabetes in their self-management capabilities.”

For the study researchers are seeking adults living in the Northern Rivers region who have lived with a diagnosis of type-2 diabetes for more than 12 months and are not receiving insulin therapy.

Participants in the clinical trial will be required to take Olive Leaf Extract or placebo capsules once a day for 24 weeks and attend SCU’s Lismore campus three times during the trial.

To find out more and to get involved email ncnmtrials@scu.edu.au.