Therapeutic effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients.


METHODS
The study included three phases: phase 1 (1 week), phase 2 (treatment, 14 g fibre/day, 6 weeks) and phase 3 (4 weeks). At the end of each phase a clinical evaluation was performed after the ingestion of a test breakfast of 1824.2 kJ (436 kcal). Measurements included concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, fructosamine, GHbA(1c), C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion. In addition, uric acid, cholesterol and several mineral and vitamin concentrations were also evaluated.


METHODS
The study was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Nursing at the University of León (Spain).


METHODS
Twenty type 2 diabetic patients (12 men and 8 women) participated in the study with a mean age of 67.4 y for men and 66 y for women. The mean body mass index of men was 28.2 kg/m(2) and that of women 25.9 kg/m(2).


RESULTS
Glucose absorption decreased significantly in the presence of psyllium (12.2%); this reduction is not associated with an important change in insulin levels (5%). GHbA(1c), C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion decreased (3.8, 14.9 and 22.5%, respectively) during the treatment with fibre (no significant differences) as well as fructosamine (10.9%, significant differences). Psyllium also reduced total and LDL cholesterol (7.7 and 9.2%, respectively, significant differences), and uric acid (10%, significant difference). Minerals and vitamins did not show important changes, except sodium that increased significantly after psyllium administration.


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained indicate a beneficial therapeutic effect of psyllium (Plantaben) in the metabolic control of type 2 diabetics as well as in lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. We also conclude that consumption of this fibre does not adversely affect either mineral or vitamin A and E concentrations. Finally, for a greater effectiveness, psyllium treatment should be individually evaluated.
Sierra
M
M
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Nursing, University of León, León, Spain. dftmsv@unileon.es
García
J J
JJ
Fernández
N
N
Diez
M J
MJ
Calle
A P
AP
D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000652:urine; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D019270:Fructosamine / Q000097:blood; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000187:drug effects; D006029:Glycosuria / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000097:blood; D011620:Psyllium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors; D014815:Vitamins / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D002784:Cholesterol; D019270:Fructosamine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007328:Insulin; D008903:Minerals; D011620:Psyllium; D014815:Vitamins