Effects of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber on glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of diets differing in type and quantity of fiber on glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
Prospective randomized crossover controlled trial.


METHODS
7 dogs with well-regulated naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
Dogs were fed 1 of 3 diets for 1 month each in 1 of 6 randomized diet sequences. Diets included a low-fiber diet (LF) and 2 high-fiber diets; 1 contained only insoluble fiber (HIF), and 1 contained soluble fiber in addition to insoluble fiber (HSF). Caloric intake was unchanged throughout the study. Glycemic control was assessed after each feeding trial by measuring serum fructosamine concentration and performing 5 serial measurements of blood glucose concentration every 2 hours after the morning feeding and insulin injection.


RESULTS
Significant differences were not detected in body weight, required insulin dosage, or albumin concentration among dogs fed the HIF, HSF, and LF diets. Mean and maximum blood glucose concentrations and area under the blood glucose curve were significantly lower in dogs fed the HIF diet, compared with values in the same dogs fed the HSF or LF diet. Fructosamine concentration was significantly lower in dogs fed the HIF or HSF diet, compared with values in the same dogs fed the LF diet.


CONCLUSIONS
In dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, a dry, high insoluble-fiber diet may aid in glycemic control.
Kimmel
S E
SE
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Michel
K E
KE
Hess
R S
RS
Ward
C R
CR
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D019270:Fructosamine / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012995:Solubility
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D019270:Fructosamine