Effect of dietary supplementation with oat β-glucan for 3 months in subjects with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial

There is a growing interest in the use of functional foods. Studies indicate the contribution of β-glucans to glycemic control, but few have evaluated integrally the effect of this soluble dietary fiber on appetite-regulating hormones and microbiota in type-2 diabetes (T2D). We analyzed the effect of enriching a normal diet with oat β-glucan in thirty-seven T2D subjects. For 12 weeks, subjects consumed daily oat β-glucan or microcrystalline cellulose as control (5 g/day). We determined fasting glucose, C-peptide, insulin, HOMA, HbA1c, lipid profile, ghrelin, leptin, GLP-1, PYY, caloric intake, and intestinal microbiota. HbA1c decreased in the β-glucan group. Insulin, C-peptide and HOMA, Lactobacillus spp, and Butyrate-producing bacteria decreased in the β-glucan group (p < 0.05). Leptin (p < 0.05), GLP-1 (p < 0.01) and PYY (p < 0.001) were different between groups. The intake of 5 g/oat β-glucan for 12 weeks can help improve glycemic control, increase the feeling of satiety, and promote changes in the gut microbiota profile.