Human clinical trial to assess the effect of consumption of multigrain Indian bread on glycemic regulation in type 2 diabetic participants

The efficacy of multigrain flatbread in regulating the lipid profile and carbohydrate homeostasis among type 2 diabetic patients was studied in 100 type 2 diabetic participants. The results revealed that the anthropometric parameters remained unaltered in both test and control groups. The fasting blood glucose levels (140.70 ± 8.43 versus 132.89 ± 5.63 mg/dl) did not significantly decrease. In contrast, the insulin levels (12.96 ± 1.06 versus 10.83 ± 1.03 μIU/ml) and HbA1c levels (8.01 ± 0.27 versus 7.40 ± 0.21%) in the test group decreased significantly, and it was associated with a decrease in insulin resistance. The LDL levels in the test group decreased after the intervention (116.0 ± 5.67 versus 98.7 ± 5.68 mg/dl), while triglycerides and VLDL increased significantly and HDL levels remained unaltered. A significant decrease in average blood pressure (systolic/diastolic) was noticed among the test group participants. The human RBP4 and hs-CRP remained unaltered. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Millets are rich in fibers, has complex carbohydrate, protein, and is lower in fat content. Millets provide a wide range of nutrients, phytochemicals, and are gluten-free with low glycemic nature. Their intake can reduce factors such as insulin resistance and oxidative stress responsible for the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Our study indicated the use of multigrain flatbreads prepared from millets helped reduce serum insulin, LDL cholesterol, HbA1c levels, and incidentally blood pressure levels with a significant increase in insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes participants. The results suggest using the multigrain flatbread meal as a food supplement or meal replacer in diabetic participants in terms of glucose control and insulin sensitivity.