Camel milk may be answer to diabetes

India is sitting on the world diabetes throne with the maximum number of diabetics across the globe. Yet in the arid sand dunes of Rajasthan, there is a tribe of camel breeders called Raicas who are immune to this condition, thanks to a staple item on their daily menu, camel milk.

 

According to the research conducted at the Diabetes Care and Research Centre, SP Medical College Bikaner, a litre of camel milk contains about 52 units of insulin.

 

"These units in camel milk are not neutralised by the acidic juices in the stomach, unlike other forms of orally administered insulin," said Mr RP Agrawal, director, Diabetes Care and Research Centre, Bikaner . 

There are two types of diabetes, Type I and II, that are prevalent in the country. Type I diabetics have no alternative but to maintain their blood sugar level with insulin shots, while blood sugar in those with Type II condition could be cured by following a healthy and balanced lifestyle. But now, it has been scientifically proven that gulping down camel milk daily would supplement 60 to 70 per cent of insulin in Type I diabetics.

 

The research on the project had begun with the Raica community as the base model.. An initial survey revealed zero prevalence among the Raicas in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur , while the rest of the tribe members in the same region who do not like camel milk but have similar lifestyles, had five to six per cent prevalence. Camel milk was successfully tested on albino rats clinically induced with diabetes. Later, similar tests were conducted on more than 50 individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes for more than two years, resulting in a drastic fall in their blood sugar levels.

 

"A Type I diabetic who needs 20 units of insulin annually can bring this down to six to seven units with regular intake of camel milk," he said. Both camel milk and this batch of researchers from Bikaner  are yet to get their due in their own diabetes-infested country. But they have featured in many international journals and research publications and even been recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

 

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently recognised this unique discovery which could provide an effective relief to scores of diabetics in the country.

 

"Sadly, most of the people in our country are unaware of the fact. We were, however, invited to a number of conferences in the USA , Japan and other countries where they have shown keen interest in our findings. We are also in correspondence with medical universities and research institutes in the USA ," Dr Agrawal said.

 

Scientists are attributing this trait of camel milk to a unique phytonutrient (derived from plants) present in the camels' daily diet. But they are yet to isolate this blood sugar fighting agent. Research is on. Camel milk is also high on minerals and low on cholesterol content, compared to cow's milk..