Effect of dietary supplementation with oat beta-glucan for 3 months in subjects with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial

There is a growing interest in the use of functional foods. Studies indicate the contribution of beta-glucans to glycemic control, but few have evaluated integrally the effect of this soluble dietary fiber on appetite-regulating hormones and microbiota in type-2 diabetes (T2D). We analyzed the effect of enriching a normal diet with oat beta-glucan in thirty-seven T2D subjects. For 12 weeks, subjects consumed daily oat beta-glucan or microcrystalline cellulose as control (5 g/day). We determined fasting glucose, C-peptide, insulin, HOMA, HbA1c, lipid profile, ghrelin, leptin, GLP-1, PYY, caloric intake, and intestinal microbiota. HbA1c decreased in the beta-glucan group. Insulin, C-peptide and HOMA, Lactobacillus spp, and Butyrate-producing bacteria decreased in the beta-glucan group (p < 0.05). Leptin (p < 0.05), GLP-1 (p < 0.01) and PYY (p < 0.001) were different between groups. The intake of 5 g/oat beta-glucan for 12 weeks can help improve glycemic control, increase the feeling of satiety, and promote changes in the gut microbiota profile.

Automated summary

The study showed that the intake of 5g/day of oat beta-glucan for 12 weeks can improve glycemic control, reduce HbA1c, decrease insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA levels, promote satiety, and induce changes in gut microbiota profiles among patients with type-2 diabetes.