<![CDATA[Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constitutes a major global health burden among older adults, necessitating exploration of adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Costus igneus, commonly known as the insulin plant, contains bioactive compounds, including corosolic acid and diosgenin, which have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in preclinical studies. This study evaluated the effects of Costus igneus tea consumption on fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in older adults with T2DM. A community-based quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group study was conducted in Gorontalo, Indonesia. A total of 156 older adults (≥60 years) with T2DM were assigned to an intervention group (n=78), receiving Costus igneus tea twice daily for 30 days alongside standard antidiabetic medication, and a control group (n=78) receiving standard medication alone. FBG was measured at baseline, day 15, and day 30. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in FBG from 198.37±32.45 to 156.21±28.73 mg/dL (p<0.001; 21.3% decrease), with a significant time×group interaction (F=24.67, p<0.001). Costus igneus tea may serve as a complementary intervention for glycemic management; however, the quasi-experimental design limits causal inference and warrants confirmation through randomized controlled trials.]]>
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