LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF GUAR GUM IN SUBJECTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS

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.