title: Dietary fiber and diabetes: a comprehensive review and practical application.
abstract: Diabetes takes an enormous human and monetary toll each year. Current treatment too often revolves around insulin and drug therapy, neglecting diet and exercise. A comprehensive review was undertaken to assess and summarize the effects of dietary fiber on diabetes. Fiber supplement studies with guar, wheat bran, and apple fiber produced mixed results; some studies reported lowered fasting glucose and cholesterol values and less glycosuria. However, many available fiber supplements cause side effects. High-carbohydrate, high-fiber diets providing 55% to 60% of energy as carbohydrates, 15% to 20% as protein, and 20% to 25% as fat and including 50 gm or more fiber daily hold the most potential for long-term use. These diets reduce insulin requirements, improve glycemic control, lower fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride values, and promote weight loss. Studies show good long-term adherence with these diets. Dietitians assume primary responsibility for educating individuals on the benefits and use of high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diets. Diets must be individualized, with special modifications for obesity, hyperlipidemia, or physiological states such as pregnancy and lactation. Widespread use of high-fiber diets will ultimately improve metabolic control and decrease health care costs for thousands of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003376:Counseling; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000378:metabolism; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber