This meta-analysis of randomized trials shows that increasing fiber intake has rather clear effect on fasting plasma glucose whereas the effect on HbA1c seems to be less profound

1. Post R et al. Dietary Fiber for the
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
A Meta-Analysis
J Am Board Fam Med 2011; 25:16-23
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2. Page 2
Pronutritionist’s background
• High intake of fiber is linked to improved cardiovascular outcomes in
prospective cohort trials (Mente et al. 2009)
• Current dietary guidelines emphasize the role of dietary fiber in the
treatment of type diabetes (American diabetes association, 2008)
• Exact magnitude of the effect of increased fiber intake, in the context of
stable carbohydrate, fat and protein intake, is not known
http://twitter.com/pronutritionistPage 2 Post R et al. J Nutr. 2011 Dec;141(12):2180-5

3. Methods (patients)
• A metal-analysis of controlled randomized trials
• Primary outcomes:
– Fasting glucose
– HbA1c
• Participants: Type 2 diabetics
• 15 trials included
• On average, observed difference in fiber intake was 18,3 grams/day
(40 grams per day)
• Follow up: 3-12 weeks
• Some trials used fiber supplements, some changed quality of bread or
cereals
• Both trials using soluble and in-soluble fiber were used
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4. Results
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0,85
mmol/l
0,26
%
Fasting blood glucose HbA1c
Effect of increased fiber intake (18,3 g/d) vs placebo in T2D
Post R et al. J Nutr. 2011 Dec;141(12):2180-5

5. Pronutritionist’s discussion
• This is the first meta-analysis to show the effect of increased fiber intake
in the control of type 2 diabetes in randomized setting
• The trials included were short. None of trials lasted more than 3 months.
More long term data is needed
• The meta-analysis supports the benefits of proposed high fiber intake in
the current diabetes guidelines
• If a diabetic patient is not able to increase use of vegetables, fruit and
whole grain, supplementation of fiber is justified according to this meta-
analysis
• It will be interesting to see if novel approaches to control blood glucose
will deliver similar effects, such as meal-time or bed-time vinegar intake
(Liatis et al. 2010)
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6. Please read the whole paper at
J Am Board Fam Med 2011;
25:16-23
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7. 12/05/14
http://twitter.com/pronutritionist
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http://www.pronutritionist.net
Reijo Laatikainen, Authorized Nutritionist, MBA,
Dietitian
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Post R et al. J Nutr. 2011 Dec;141(12):2180-5