Kefir for Type 2 Diabetes

Overseen By Caroline Richard, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Antifungals, Corticosteroids, others

Disqualifiers: GI disorders, Pregnancy, Endocrine disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether drinking traditional kefir, a fermented milk drink, can improve blood vessel health and boost the immune system in individuals at higher risk or living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Participants will consume either kefir or regular milk to determine which offers more benefits. It suits those in the Edmonton area who are overweight or have been diagnosed with T2D and do not regularly consume many fermented foods. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance dietary recommendations for managing Type 2 Diabetes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes people who have used certain medications like antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, methotrexate, or immunosuppressive agents in the last 3 months. It seems you might need to stop these medications to participate, but the protocol doesn't specify for other medications.

What prior data suggests that traditional kefir is safe for individuals with or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

Research has shown that traditional kefir is generally safe for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Studies indicate that kefir can help manage blood sugar and improve cholesterol levels. One study found that people with Type 2 Diabetes who drank kefir had lower blood sugar and insulin levels, suggesting good tolerance.

Although kefir hasn't shown major effects on all measures, such as HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control), research has not linked it to serious side effects. This makes kefir a promising option for managing some aspects of diabetes without major safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using traditional kefir for type 2 diabetes because it offers a natural, gut-friendly alternative to conventional medications like metformin or insulin, which primarily focus on lowering blood sugar. Unlike these standard treatments, kefir is a fermented probiotic drink that may help improve gut health, potentially influencing blood sugar regulation more holistically. Its unique blend of live bacteria and yeast could offer additional health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic processes, which are promising for people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes.

What evidence suggests that traditional kefir might be an effective treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?

Research suggests that kefir might help manage type 2 diabetes (T2D). Some studies have shown that kefir can lower fasting blood sugar and insulin levels, which are important for diabetes control. In one study, a person with diabetes who drank kefir lost weight and improved long-term blood sugar levels, measured by HbA1c. Kefir contains exopolysaccharides, which have shown promise in managing diabetes in animal studies. While some research is positive, results are mixed, and not all studies show significant changes in blood sugar levels. In this trial, participants will be randomly assigned to consume either traditional kefir or milk as a placebo to further investigate its potential benefits. Overall, kefir could be a useful addition to diabetes management, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Benjamin Willing, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women at high risk of or living with Type 2 Diabetes who may also have cardiovascular issues. Participants should be interested in testing if kefir can improve their vascular health and immune system over a 12-week period.

Inclusion Criteria

My blood sugar or HbA1C levels indicate I'm at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

I have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

Overweight or obesity (BMI >25 for Caucasian, >23 for Asian)

Exclusion Criteria

Being pregnant or breastfeeding

I haven't taken antibiotics, steroids, or immune-suppressing drugs in the last 3 months.

Usual high intake (maximum intake 3 servings/week) of fermented foods excluding cheese (i.e., kefir, kombucha, kimchi, etc.) for the past 3 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants consume either 350 mL of traditional fermented kefir or 350 mL of a placebo (milk) daily for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Traditional Kefir

Trial Overview The study is examining the effects of traditional kefir compared to milk (which serves as a placebo) on vascular and immune health outcomes in individuals with or at high risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Participants with higher risk of T2D Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Randomly assigned to consume either traditional kefir or milk as a placebo.

Group II: Participants living with T2D Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Randomly assigned to consume either traditional kefir or milk as a placebo.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials

957

Recruited

437,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4401881/

Effect of Probiotic Fermented Milk (Kefir) on Glycemic ... In one study probiotic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes had no effects on FBS, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL- cholesterol in comparison with ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388121001420

Effect of kefir beverage consumption on glycemic control The results of our meta-analysis indicated that kefir beverage could reduce the FBS and insulin levels without a significant effect on HbA1c.

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41387-025-00388-5

Kefir-derived exopolysaccharide ameliorates ... Exopolysaccharides derived from kefir show promising potential in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats, suggesting a viable nutraceutical ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-diabetes-mellitus-type-2-2025-49592

Kefir for Type 2 Diabetes · Info for Participants In one study, a diabetic patient who consumed kefir experienced weight loss and a reduction in HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar levels), suggesting ...

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2311-5637/8/11/590

Microbial Communities in Home-Made and Commercial ... The intake of kefir has been demonstrated to have a great impact in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and increases the life span in treated rats ...