Consumption of Citrus sinensis Albedo Supplemented Edikang Ikong and Garri Modulates Diabetic-induced Body Weight and Serum Glucose, Insulin and Lipid Perturbations in STZ-induced Diabetic Wistar Rat Model

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Citrus sinensis albedo on the biochemical parameters of diabetic Wistar rats to assess its viability in diet planning for diabetes. Fifty-six Wistar rats (165 + 5g) were randomly assigned to nine groups. Group 1 served as the normal control. Groups 2 through 9  were induced with diabetes using Streptozotocin.  Group 2 was the diabetic control, while Group 3 received Metformin treatment. The remaining diabetic groups were pair-fed three different base diets- bread, Fried rice, Garri and Edikang ikong soup either supplemented or unsupplemented with Citrus sinensis albedo. Over a 28-day period, rats received 25g and water ad libitum. Fasting blood glucose and body weights were monitored weekly. After 28 days, rats were sacrificed; whole blood and serum were collected for biochemical analysis using standard methods and statistically analysed. Results indicated that supplementing the diet with Citrus sinensis albedo significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, improved body weight gain, enhanced insulin secretion, and provided better glycemic control. Furthermore, the supplementation rectified dyslipidemia by decreasing total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and LDL cholesterol, while elevating HDL cholesterol. The albedo prevented the overweight condition in type 1 diabetic rats while increasing insulin secretion. Vulnerable organs were protected by the supplemented diet’s ability to favourably modulate liver and kidney function markers. Notably, these positive outcomes were consistent regardless of diet type, indicating the versatility of Citrus sinensis albedo as a functional additive in diverse food matrices. In conclusion, Citrus Sinensis albedo is a rich source of dietary fibre that offers significant therapeutic potential in managing diabetes. Its inclusion represents a cost-effective, natural dietary intervention that is highly beneficial for diabetic diet planning.