Extensive research has demonstrated that dietary fiber can alleviate diabetic symptoms. However, its potential as a standalone phar macological agent for diabetes treatment still requires rigorous scientific validation. In the present study, the impact of a high-fiber diet on diabetes progression was investigated. Results after a 28 day treatment period indicated no statistically significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels or body weight in diabetic mice receiving a high-fiber diet. Notably, relative to the control group of mice, no significant differences were detected in blood biochemical parameters or histopathological evaluations. Nevertheless, a significant decrease in the monocyte percentage was identified in data obtained from a complete blood count analysis. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of fecal microbiota revealed that dietary fiber intervention significantly modified the composition and structure of the gut microbiota in diabetic mice, as indicated by a marked decrease in the Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio and a corresponding increase in the abundance of the beneficial bacterial species Bacteroides acidifaciens . Metabolomic analysis revealed that bile acid metabolism is a key pathway through which dietary fiber influences both gut microbial and host metabolic activity. In summary, although dietary fiber as a feeding component does not function as a therapeutic agent on its own, it can enhance the intestinal profile of beneficial commensal Bacteroides acidifaciens and modulates bile acid metabolism of diabetic mice.
Feng et al. (Tue,) studied this question.