Dietary Fiber as a Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Evidence of the relationship between fiber intake and control of diabetes is mixed. The purpose of the study was to determine if an increase in dietary fiber affects glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Randomized studies published from Jan. 1, 1980, to Dec. 31, 2010, that involved an increase in dietary fiber intake as an intervention, evaluated HbA1c and/or fasting blood glucose as an outcome, and used human participants with known type 2 diabetes mellitus, were selected for review. Overall, an intervention involving fiber supplementation for type 2 diabetes can reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. J Am Board Fam Med. 2012;25(1):16-23.