Effects of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber on glycemic control in dogswith naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Objective-To evaluate the effects of diets differing in type and quantity o f fiber on glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-depend ent diabetes mellitus. Design-Prospective randomized crossover controlled trial. Animals-7 dogs with well-regulated naturally occurring insulin-dependent di abetes mellitus. Procedure-Dogs were fed 1 of 3 diets for 1 month each in 1 of 6 randomized diet sequences. Diets included a low-fiber diet (LF) and 2 high-fiber diets ; 1 contained only insoluble fiber (HIF), and 1 contained soluble fiber in addition to insoluble fiber (HSF). Caloric intake was unchanged throughout the study. Glycemic control was assessed after each feeding trial by measur ing serum fructosamine concentration and performing 5 serial measurements o f blood glucose concentration every 2 hours after the morning feeding and i nsulin injection. Results-Significant differences were not detected in body weight, required insulin dosage, or albumin concentration among dogs fed the HIF, HSF, and L F diets. Mean and maximum blood glucose concentrations and area under the b rood glucose curve were significantly lower in dogs fed the HIF diet, compa red with values in the same dogs fed the HSF or LF diet. Fructosamine conce ntration was significantly lower in dogs fed the HIF or HSF diet, compared with values in the same dogs fed the LF diet. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-in dogs with naturally occurring insulin -dependent diabetes mellitus, a dry high insoluble-fiber diet may aid in gl ycemic control.