American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 48, 98-103, Copyright © 1988 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc

ORIGINAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS

Glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in type 1 diabetes: the effect of guar gum

P Ebeling, H Yki-Jarvinen, A Aro, E Helve, M Sinisalo and VA Koivisto
Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.

The effect of guar gum on glucose and lipid metabolism and on body insulin sensitivity was examined in nine type 1 diabetic patients treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. The study was done in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion with either guar gum or a placebo added to the usual diet four times per day for 4 wk each. Blood glucose levels after breakfast and lunch and daily insulin requirements were significantly lower during the guar-gum than the placebo diet. After a 4-wk guar-gum supplementation, blood glucose response to a test meal was significantly reduced by guar gum compared with the placebo. Hemoglobin A1 (HbA1) and insulin sensitivity remained unchanged. Serum total cholesterol fell by 21% (p less than 0.025). Thus, guar gum can reduce postprandial blood glucose, insulin requirements, and serum total cholesterol levels in type 1 diabetic patients.

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