Long-term clinical efficacy of dietary fiber supplementation in middle-aged and elderly prediabetic patients

Nutrition. 2024 Dec:128:112580. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112580. Epub 2024 Sep 6.

Abstract

Aims: Dietary fiber (DF) can be separated from food and convenient to take, and has an important role in diabetes prevention, but long-term intervention data are lacking. This study evaluated the long-term benefits of DF supplementation on body composition, glucose-lipid metabolism, and clinical regression in middle-aged and elderly patients with prediabetes.

Methods: A randomized, controlled, open clinical study was conducted. Participants were randomized into a control group receiving health education and an intervention group consuming DF supplements daily before meals (15 g of mixed fiber per serving) for 6 consecutive months based on health education. Follow-up was 1 year with a 6-month cycle. Blood and anthropometric parameters were assessed at baseline and 6 months and 12 months of follow-up.

Results: Fifty-four participants were included in the study, 27 in each group. After 6 months, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 hour plasma glucose (2h PG), and postprandial insulin levels were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to baseline. FPG, 2h PG, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values and diabetes incidence were lower than in the control group. After 12 months, blood glucose and diabetes incidence remained lower in the intervention group.

Conclusions: DF supplementation can reduce the degree of central obesity, the levels of FPG and 2h PG, and the incidence of diabetes in middle-aged and older patients with prediabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes risk; Dietary fiber; Glycolipid metabolism; Obesity; Prediabetes.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose* / metabolism
  • Body Composition
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diet therapy
  • Dietary Fiber* / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycated Hemoglobin* / analysis
  • Glycated Hemoglobin* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postprandial Period
  • Prediabetic State* / blood
  • Prediabetic State* / diet therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Waist Circumference
  • Waist-Hip Ratio

Substances

  • Dietary Fiber
  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Insulin
  • Triglycerides