Ph. Groop et al., LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF GUAR GUM IN SUBJECTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS, The American journal of clinical nutrition, 58(4), 1993, pp. 513-518
The effects of 15 g guar gum/d on glycemic control, lipids, and insuli
n secretion were studied in 15 (8 male, 7 female) diet-treated subject
s with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus for 48 wk. Mean age (+/
-SD) was 60 +/- 2 y (range 45-70 y), body mass index (in kg/m2) 28.6 /- 0.9 (range 21.6 +/- 39.2), and duration of diabetes 6 +/- 1 y (rang
e 2-14 y). Guar gum was preceded and followed by 8-wk placebo periods.
Guar gum improved long-term glycemic control, postprandial glucose to
lerance and lipid concentrations. The C-peptide response to a test mea
l increased by time during guar gum treatment, whereas the insulin res
ponse remained unchanged. This indicates that insulin secretion is enh
anced by guar gum as reflected by increased C-peptide. A decreased mol
ar ratio of insulin to C-peptide suggests that guar gum may increase h
epatic insulin extraction. In conclusion, guar gum has favorable long-
term effects on glycemic control and lipid concentrations.