Taking sesame doesn't seem to help raise good cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a big review of clinical trials.

What we've found so far suggests that sesame supplementation may not improve HDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Our analysis of the available research points in this direction, but we are still building our understanding. We reviewed the evidence on sesame and HDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and found one claim based on a large review of clinical trials [1]. This claim indicates that taking sesame does not appear to raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels in this group [1]. The number 39.0 listed under "support" likely refers to studies included in that review, but the overall conclusion from the evidence we analyzed does not show a beneficial effect on HDL [1]. There were no studies or claims suggesting sesame improves HDL in this population. Our current analysis shows the evidence leans toward no meaningful improvement in HDL cholesterol from sesame supplementation for people with type 2 diabetes. However, we base this on limited reporting and a single claim derived from a broader review. We do not have direct access to the individual study results or details on dosage, duration, or form of sesame used. This means our understanding is incomplete. We cannot rule out possible benefits in other areas, such as blood sugar control or LDL cholesterol, but those were not the focus of this analysis. Also, we cannot say whether longer use or different forms of sesame might lead to different outcomes. Until we have more data, we remain cautious in drawing strong conclusions. The body of evidence we’ve reviewed so far simply doesn’t support the idea that sesame raises HDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Practical takeaway: If you're using sesame supplements hoping to boost your good cholesterol, the evidence we've seen so far doesn't back that benefit.