Camel milk and diabetes

At CamelWay we take a research-first approach. This page distills our 2025 report - Camel Milk and Diabetes: Science-Backed Benefits for Type 1 and Type 2 Patients - published on Zenodo under DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17184240.

It synthesizes randomized trials and systematic reviews indexed on PubMed: in Type 1 diabetes, adjunct camel milk has been shown to improve fasting glucose and HbA1c while lowering daily insulin needs; in Type 2, early RCTs and meta-analyses point to better glycemic control and favorable lipid changes. Below, we translate the evidence into clear, practical guidance for thoughtful, routine use.

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What the science says

  • Type 1 diabetes: In randomized trials, adding camel milk to standard insulin therapy improved fasting glucose and HbA1c, and reduced daily insulin dose for many participants. Some long-term data show sustained benefits. PubMed
  • Type 2 diabetes: Early trials and meta-analyses suggest lower fasting glucose, better post-meal control, improved insulin sensitivity markers, and a healthier lipid profile - especially with longer use. PubMed
  • How it may work: Insulin-like proteins, support for pancreatic function, GLP-1 and microbiome effects, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactives. PMC

What clinical studies show

Type 1 diabetes - adjunct to insulin

  • 16-week randomized trial in young adults: adding ~500 ml/day camel milk to standard care led to markedly lower fasting glucose and HbA1c versus control. PubMed
  • 2-year randomized trial: patients on camel milk plus insulin reduced daily insulin dose significantly compared with controls, with better long-term glycemic control and acceptability. PubMed
  • 1-year randomized trial: improved control and reduced insulin requirement maintained over 12 months. PubMed

What this means: For T1D, camel milk is not a replacement for insulin - but trials report better control and less injected insulin when used alongside standard therapy. Discuss any dose changes with your diabetologist. PubMed

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Type 2 diabetes - glycemia, insulin sensitivity, lipids

  • Double-blind RCT (4 weeks) with camel milk powder: significant drop in fasting glucose and improved 2-hour post-meal levels versus cow-milk powder; GLP-1 and beneficial gut taxa increased. PubMed
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis (2023): in people with diabetes, camel milk was associated with reductions in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, and higher HDL - effects were stronger with use beyond 6 months and more pronounced in T1D, but favorable trends were also seen in T2D. BioMed Central

What this means: For T2D, the signal is supportive - better fasting and post-prandial control in short-term trials and improved lipid markers with longer use. Lifestyle and prescribed medication remain the foundation. PubMed

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How camel milk may help - proposed mechanisms

  • Insulin-like activity: Camel milk contains insulin and insulin-like peptides that may remain bioactive during digestion - potentially contributing to glucose-lowering effects observed clinically. PMC
  • Insulin receptor targeting: In vitro and animal work suggests camel-milk proteins and peptides can activate the insulin receptor and potentiate insulin signaling. PMC
  • GLP-1 and microbiome: Clinical data show increases in GLP-1 and shifts toward beneficial gut bacteria after camel-milk powder, mechanisms linked to better insulin sensitivity. PMC
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support: Reviews describe lactoferrin, immunoglobulins and antioxidant nutrients that can reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress - relevant to both T1D autoimmunity and T2D insulin resistance. PMC

How to use CamelWay camel milk powder

  • Daily amount used in studies: Many T1D trials used ~500 ml/day of reconstituted camel milk alongside standard therapy. T2D studies used smaller daily amounts of powder for 4 to 8 weeks, with longer durations supporting lipid benefits. Follow your clinician’s advice and monitor glucose as you introduce it.
  • How to prepare: Mix according to the label to make a smooth, fresh glass. Start with one serving daily, then adjust. Pair with breakfast or an evening snack for routine adherence.
  • What to expect: Taste is clean and lightly creamy. Most people tolerate it well - camel milk naturally lacks the major bovine whey allergen β-lactoglobulin. If you have milk allergies or lactose intolerance, consult your healthcare professional first. PMC

Recommended picks:

  • Camel Milk Powder 300g - for first-time buyers and 2-week trials
  • Camel Milk Powder 3×300g - for month-over-month routines and family use
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References and our publication

This page draws on peer-reviewed human studies and reviews:

  • Type 1 diabetes RCTs: 16-week and 2-year randomized trials on glycemic control and insulin dose. PubMed
  • Type 2 diabetes: double-blind RCT using camel-milk powder and systematic reviews/meta-analyses on glycemia and lipids. PubMed
  • Mechanisms: insulin-receptor targeting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PMC

Our research report with DOI: CamelWay - Camel milk and diabetes, Zenodo DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17184240. Zenodo