Glucose and insulin responses to whole grain breakfasts varying in soluble fiber, beta-glucan: a dose response study in obese women with increased risk for insulin resistance

Eur J Nutr. 2009 Apr;48(3):170-5. doi: 10.1007/s00394-009-0778-3. Epub 2009 Feb 5.

Abstract

Background: A high intake of whole grains containing soluble fiber has been shown to lower glucose and insulin responses in overweight humans and humans with type 2 diabetes.

Aim of the study: We investigated the linearity of this response after consumption of 5 breakfast cereal test meals containing wheat and/or barley to provide varying amounts of soluble fiber, beta-glucan (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 g).

Methods: Seventeen normoglycemic, obese women at increased risk for insulin resistance consumed 5 test meals within a randomized cross-over design after consuming controlled diets for 2 days. Blood samples for glucose and insulin response were obtained prior to and 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after consuming the test meals.

Results: Consumption of 10 g of beta-glucan significantly reduced peak glucose response at 30 min and delayed the rate of glucose response. Area under the curve for 2 h-postprandial glycemic response was not affected by beta-glucan content. However, peak and area under the curve of insulin responses were significantly affected by the beta-glucan amount in an inverse linear relationship.

Conclusion: These data suggest that acute consumption of 10 g of beta-glucan is able to induce physiologically beneficial effects on postprandial insulin responses in obese women at risk for insulin resistance.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / analysis*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / etiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control
  • Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Edible Grain* / chemistry
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Hordeum / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood*
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / blood
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • beta-Glucans / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Insulin
  • beta-Glucans