Formulation and commercialization of readily accessible food product/s for the control and prevention of diabetes mellitus

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a lifelong progressive disease which accounts for over 30 % of chronic illnesses in the country. Though several pharmaceutical drugs are currently available to control blood glucose levels in diabetes, only a few proportions of patients with type 2 diabetes achieve glycemic control due to the associated cost and side effects. This shows a necessity of novel therapeutics and strategies, one of which could be, promoting the use of natural food sources in the diet which have been used for thousands of years as a regular part of their diet and also at times specifically to treat diabetes. We have identified several species of herbs that are known to be potential remedies for the treatment of hypoglycemia. The significance of these plants is passed orally among the community with very limited scientific evidence.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to develop and commercialization of readily accessible food product/s for the control and prevention of diabetes mellitus among Sri Lankan population and to promote healthy living and well-being of the Sri Lankan society while improving the socioeconomic standards of the country.

Research Group: 

Professor Udaya Rathnayake (Team Leader)

Professor Nirmali Wickramaratne

Dr. Namal Perera- (Coordinator)

Dr. Thilini Kananke (Co-coordinator)

Dr. Kapila Rathnayake

Mrs. Chosani Dalukdeniya

Mr. RAC. Ushantha 

Mr. Chamendra Somatunga (Chairman, Fadna Group, Industrial collaborator)  

Progress: