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Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is often associated with metabolic disturbances, including impaired glucose regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a frozen drink made from chaya leaves and pineapple on body weight and fasting blood glucose levels in hypertensive women.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a non-randomized control group was used. A total of 24 participants were divided into two groups: 12 in the intervention group who received the chaya leaf and pineapple frozen drink, and 12 in the control group. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention. Paired t-tests were used to assess within-group changes, and independent t-tests were used to compare differences between groups.
Results: The results showed that fasting blood glucose levels in the intervention group remained stable (82.00 ± 12.79 to 81.75 ± 9.57 mg/dL; Δ −0.25; p = 0.32), while the control group exhibited a slight increase (79.25 ± 10.41 to 83.67 ± 9.56 mg/dL; Δ +4.42; p = 0.319), with no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). In contrast, body weight significantly decreased in the intervention group (64.22 ± 10.88 to 63.43 ± 10.81 kg; Δ −0.79; p < 0.001), whereas the control group showed a slight increase (61.20 ± 11.08 to 61.50 ± 10.73 kg; Δ +0.30; p > 0.05), again with no significant between-group differences. Although between-group differences were not statistically significant, a consistent trend was observed, suggesting that the intervention may help maintain glycemic stability and support modest weight reduction.
Conclusion: The chaya leaf and pineapple frozen drink did not significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels but showed potential in maintaining glycemic stability and promoting modest weight loss. Further studies using comprehensive metabolic markers are recommended.
