The role of viscous soluble fiber in the metabolic control of diabetes - A review with special emphasis on cereals rich in beta-glucan

Recent recommendations for the dietary management of diabetes mellitus stare that diet needs to be individualized so that there is improved glucose and lipid control in the patient. In a majority of individuals with diabetes, this is best done with a diet that is low in Eat and high in carbohydrate, particularly that of cereal origin. However, symptoms of hyper- and hypoglycemia must be averted. Most cereal products, however, tend to have a high glycemic index. Cereals such as Prowashonupana barley or fractions of oat bran are particularly high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which when taken with a meal increases the viscosity of the meal bolus once it has reached the small intestine, where the absorption of nutrients occurs. This high viscosity delays absorption. A 50% reduction in glycemic peak can be achieved with a concentration of 10% beta-glucan in a cereal food. A significant lowering of plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations can also be anticipated with the daily consumption of greater than or equal to 3 g of beta-glucan. Diabetic individuals can benefit from diets that are high in beta-glucan, which, as a component of eats and barley can be incorporated into breakfast cereals and other products.