Effects of soluble fiber supplementation on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 33162192 · doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2020.10.032
What was done
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) searched across MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane databases up to February 13, 2020. They evaluated the effects of soluble fiber supplementation versus control diets on glycemic control and BMI in adults with type 2 diabetes using random-effects models, dose-response meta-regression, and GRADE quality assessment.
What was found
Across 29 RCTs (33 comparisons, 1517 participants), soluble fiber supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c (MD -0.63%, 95% CI [-0.90, -0.37]; P < 0.00001), fasting plasma glucose (MD -0.89 mmol/L, 95% CI [-1.28, -0.51]; P < 0.00001), fasting insulin (SMD -0.48, 95% CI [-0.80, -0.17]; P = 0.003), HOMA-IR (SMD -0.58, 95% CI [-0.86, -0.29]; P < 0.0001), fructosamine (SMD -1.03, 95% CI [-1.51, -0.55]; P < 0.0001), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (SMD -0.74, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.48]; P < 0.00001), and BMI (SMD -0.31, 95% CI [-0.61, -0.00]; P = 0.05). Dose-response analysis identified an optimal daily dose of 7.6-8.3 g.
Why it matters
Soluble fiber supplementation provides a practical, quantifiable dietary intervention to improve multiple markers of glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Limits
The abstract notes substantial heterogeneity across most pooled estimates. Specific fiber types, intervention durations, adverse effects, and baseline diabetes medication regimens were not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
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