Randomization and blinding
diabetes
BLIND, DIABETES
Of 220 patients evaluated, 53 were considered eligible to be enrolled in the study. Finally, 44 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either propolis or placebo group. The randomization sequence was generated using a table of random numbers in permuted blocks of two, with patients stratified according to age (20–60 and 60–80 years) and present of diabetes. The propolis and placebo capsules were provided in the same organoleptic characteristics and packaging for appropriate blinding. Drug containers were labeled with two different codes for propolis or placebo by the company that manufactured the capsules. A randomization coordinator, who was not involved in the study, created an allocation sequence and provided drug containers inside the consecutively numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes to ensure concealed allocation. All research contributors and the study subjects were blind to the intervention codes and the patients’ assignment.