ABSTRACT Type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a key global health challenge characterized by impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, pancreatic dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds are promising adjuncts to conventional therapies. This study investigated the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of acha–chia–soycake composite biscuits (ACSBs) in high‐fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD–STZ)‐induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Prediabetic oral glucose tolerance and insulin response were initially assessed. Following diabetes induction, rats received ACSB formulations (ACSB1, ACSB9, and ACSB13) or control treatments (normal control, untreated diabetic, acarbose, and commercial biscuit) for 14 days. Feed intake, body weight changes, fasting glucose levels, serum insulin levels, pancreatic lipase, α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase activities were measured. Serum lipid profiles were analyzed, and pancreatic tissue was examined histopathologically. Prediabetic animals maintained normal glucose tolerance and insulin response. Diabetes induction significantly increased blood glucose, lipase, α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, LDL‐C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, whereas it decreased insulin and HDL‐C ( p < 0.05). ACSBs notably reversed these changes, with ACSB1 and ACSB13 showing the most significant improvements, sometimes exceeding the effects of acarbose. ACSB supplementation modulated insulin levels, reduced pancreatic enzyme hyperactivity, normalized lipid profiles, and improved pancreatic architecture, including preservation of islets and reduced edema and necrosis. Overall, ACSBs, especially ACSB1 and ACSB13, demonstrated strong antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, and pancreatic‐protective effects in T2DM rats. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of functional foods derived from indigenous grains and legumes as sustainable and culturally relevant options for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and highlight the need for further clinical validation.
Ogunnowo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.