Effect of a viscous fiber bar on postprandial glycemia in subjects with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of an experimental viscous fiber (VF) crispy bar on the postprandial glucose, insulin, and C-peptide response in adult subjects with type 2 diabetes to two commercially available control crispy bars.


METHODS
The study was a randomized, double-blinded, three period, crossover study.


METHODS
The study was conducted at two sites: Park Nicollet Institute, International Diabetes Center, Minneapolis, MN, and Radiant Research, Inc., Minneapolis, MN.


METHODS
A total of 60 adults with type 2 diabetes taking oral antihyperglycemic medication participated in the study.


METHODS
After an overnight fast, subjects consumed a test meal containing an equicaloric amount (300 kcal) of an experimental VF crispy bar or one of two commercially available crispy bars at each of three test visits, followed by a four hour meal tolerance test. Subjects also completed gastrointestinal (GI) response records for the 24 hours following each test visit.


RESULTS
The VF crispy bars produced significantly lower glucose (p < 0.0001), insulin (p < 0.0001), and C-peptide (p < 0.0001) responses (as measured by positive area under the curve) in subjects with type 2 diabetes, as compared with the two commercially available bars. Intensity (p < 0.05) and frequency (p < 0.05) of flatulence were significantly higher with the VF bar as compared with the 2 commercial bars. While the VF bar produced significant subjective GI tolerance scoring values, the mean value was below 3 on a scale of 0 (no effect) to 10 (most severe effect) for all tested materials.


CONCLUSIONS
The incorporation of VF into a crispy bar provided a means to improve blood glucose levels by reducing postprandial glucose, insulin, and C-peptide responses in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Though associated with some GI symptoms, VF may have application in improving the postprandial glycemic response in people with diabetes attempting intensive glucose control.
Flammang
Ann M
AM
Ross Products Division of Abbott, 3300 Stelzer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219-3034, USA. ann.flammang@abbott.com
Kendall
David M
DM
Baumgartner
C John
CJ
Slagle
Trish D
TD
Choe
Yong S
YS
D019540:Area Under Curve; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005414:Flatulence / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019518:Postprandial Period; D014783:Viscosity
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007328:Insulin