The role of viscous soluble fiber in the metabolic control of diabetes. A review with special emphasis on cereals rich in beta-glucan.
Recent recommendations for the dietary management of diabetes mellitus state that diet needs to be individualized so that there is improved glucose and lipid control in the patient. In a majority of individuals with diabetes, this is best done with a diet that is low in fat and high in carbohydrate, particularly that of cereal origin. However, symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia must be averted. Most cereal products, however, tend to have a high glycemic index Cereals such as Prowashonupana barley or fractions of oat bran are particularly high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which when taken with a meal increases the viscosity of the meal bolus once it has reached the small intestine, where the absorption of nutrients occurs. This high viscosity delays absorption. A 50% reduction in glycemic peak can be achieved with a concentration of 10% beta-glucan in a cereal food. A significant lowering of plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations can also be anticipated with the daily consumption of > or = 3 g of beta-glucan. Diabetic individuals can benefit from diets that are high in beta-glucan, which, as a component of oats and barley, can be incorporated into breakfast cereals and other products.
Würsch
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Nestlé Research Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Pi-Sunyer
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D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000737:chemistry*; D005936:Glucans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D012995:Solubility; D014783:Viscosity
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005936:Glucans; D007328:Insulin