Objective: To evaluate the effects of soluble fiber rich bread on lowering blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipid levels.
Design: An interventional study.
Place and duration of study: The study was undertaken at Medical Unit III, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Duration of the project was one year (1997-1998).
Subjects and methods: Twenty stable diabetics of both genders were included in this study. They were provided with this bread (test diet) to replace their usual breakfast bread and chapati for lunch and dinner. The intakes of other foods as well as medications were unchanged. Anthropometric measurements, fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood sugar, fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were recorded before and after 4 weeks of intervention. Blood sugar and blood pressure were checked every week. Quality of life was assessed subjectively with the help of questionnaire, which were asked before and after the end of the intervention.
Results: Glycemic control, both fasting and postprandial, improved significantly during intervention. Satisfactory reduction of blood pressure as well as serum cholesterol and triglyceride level was also observed in these cases. The medicines reduced significantly and quality of life improved in all subjects. None of these subjects complained any gastrointestinal discomfort during their consumption of this bread for 4 weeks.
Conclusion: The use of soluble fiber rich bread helps to control blood sugar, the hyperlipidemia, and blood pressure which are elevated in poorly controlled diabetics. Thus, integrated improvement will improve the quality of life, reduce the cost of drugs as well as help to avoid harmful effect of drugs.