The Clinical Impact of Fiber Supplementation for the Reduction of Postprandial Blood Glucose

                        and Risk Reduction of Complications from Type 2 Diabetes

Objective The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years. However, the role

of dietary fiber in blood glucose regulation remains unclear. The purpose of this work was to establish

the effects of supplementing the diet with BiosLife 2, a specifically designed fiber drink, on glucose

and cholesterol.

Methods After 30 days of monitoring fasting and postprandial blood glucose, baseline values for

HbA1c, total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, and HDL were measured. 78 patients with average age

59, were given 5 grams of fiber as a drink, 2 – 3 times daily, 5 – 10 minutes prior to a meal. Fiber

consisted of guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, pectin, and oat fiber dispersed in calcium

carbonate. In addition this product contained chromium, and B-vitamins. At the conclusion of the 90

day period, all levels were remeasured.

Results and discussion Compliance with the fiber supplementation was excellent. The changes in

assessed parameters are listed in the table. The mechanism by which this fiber supplement reduces

the glucose levels is thought to be due to delayed gastric emptying. Cholesterol is thought to be

lowered through bile-acid sequestration in the digestive tract.

Conclusions As indicated in this study, high intake of dietary fiber, particularly of the soluble type,

improves glycemic control, decreases hyperinsulinemia, and lowers plasma lipid concentrations in

patients with type 2 diabetes. Reducing postprandial blood glucose significantly caused a decrease of

HbA1c by 0.9 % points, thereby reducing the risk of complications from diabetes. This fiber

supplement can be used an adjunct therapy for diabetes patients.