A recent study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that a chemical compound found in broccoli sprouts could help individuals with prediabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. This finding adds to a growing body of research exploring natural interventions for blood sugar management before full-blown diabetes develops.
Prediabetes is a health condition marked by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It affects approximately 5-10% of adults worldwide, though many remain unaware of their condition.
Risk factors include having family members with type 2 diabetes, following an unhealthy diet, limited physical activity, and having a higher body mass index (BMI). Early intervention is important as prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle modifications.
Related: Prediabetes: Signs, Risks and Prevention
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden conducted a study involving 89 participants with elevated fasting blood sugar—a key indicator of prediabetes. All participants were between 35 and 75 years old and were either overweight or obese.
The 12-week trial randomly assigned participants to receive either sulforaphane (a compound abundant in broccoli sprouts) or a placebo. Neither the researchers nor the participants knew who received which treatment, making it a double-blind study. By the end, 74 participants had completed all phases of the research.
Results showed that individuals who took sulforaphane experienced greater reductions in fasting blood sugar compared to those who received the placebo. On average, the sulforaphane group showed blood sugar levels that were 0.2 millimoles per liter lower than the placebo group.
Interestingly, the study revealed that certain individuals responded more favorably to the sulforaphane treatment. The most substantial improvements occurred in people with:
- Early signs of mild age-related diabetes
- Lower BMI (within the study's context)
- Low insulin resistance
- Minimal fatty liver disease
- Lower insulin secretion
In this specific subgroup, the difference increased to 0.4 millimoles per liter compared to those on placebo.
The research team also investigated how gut bacteria might influence sulforaphane's effectiveness. They discovered that certain bacteria appear to interact with sulforaphane, potentially making it more potent at lowering blood sugar.
The most dramatic results—a reduction of 0.7 millimoles per liter—were seen in participants who both belonged to the responsive subgroup mentioned above and also had specific gut bacteria present.
Senior researcher Anders Rosengren, PhD, explained that sulforaphane works by targeting increased glucose production in the liver, which is a common issue in early diabetes. By reducing this excess production, fasting blood glucose levels can be maintained at healthier levels.
While these findings are promising, obtaining therapeutic amounts of sulforaphane through diet alone would be challenging. According to Rosengren, one would need to consume several kilograms of broccoli daily to reach the doses used in the study.
Instead, concentrated broccoli sprout extracts might offer a more practical solution. However, he cautions that sulforaphane content varies widely among commercially available products, so consumers should be selective when choosing supplements.
Expert dietitians have noted that sulforaphane is already well-known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties. They say that while the current research shows potential, the most benefit appeared in people who already had low insulin resistance and healthy gut microbes.
Prediabetes is often preventable and reversible, making lifestyle interventions particularly important. An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance—suggesting that addressing gut health should be a priority.
The study helped establish a connection between gut microbiome health and effective blood glucose control. Those with healthier gut bacteria appeared more likely to benefit from the broccoli sprout extract.
Related: 15 Rejuvenating and Impressive Health Benefits of Broccoli
Nutrition experts often talk about the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through diet:
- Reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and high saturated fat foods
- Eat more prebiotic fiber and foods in their natural forms
- Include fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and pickled vegetables
- Consume a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide both soluble and insoluble fiber
Experts recommend focusing on these dietary approaches before considering sulforaphane supplementation. They suggest that improving overall gut health might make any interventions—whether medication or supplements—more effective for blood sugar control.
This research opens possibilities for more targeted approaches to prediabetes management. As Rosengren noted, the findings point toward potential "precision treatment" options that could be tailored to those most likely to benefit.
While lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone of prediabetes management, this study adds to our understanding of how specific plant compounds might work in conjunction with these efforts—especially for individuals with certain metabolic and microbiome profiles.
As research continues, the relationship between plant compounds, gut bacteria, and metabolic health may lead to more personalized approaches for preventing diabetes progression in at-risk individuals.
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