Fiber

DF: Diabetes (2008)

Dietary Fiber and Diabetes

Assessment
What is the evidence that dietary fiber from whole foods and dietary supplements is beneficial in diabetes?
- Conclusion
  
  Whole Foods:
  
  Doses of 8-26 grams dietary fiber at a single meal or 30-50 grams of dietary fiber per day produced short and long term benefits on glycemic control. Sources of soluble fiber may be more effective in decreasing serum glucose than insoluble fiber.
  
  These diets may also have beneficial effects on serum lipids, insulin sensitivity, and markers of inflammation in this population, however further study is required to identify specific recommendations for optimal dosage and types of fiber.
  
  Fiber Supplements:
  
  Doses of 6-19 grams of fiber supplements per meal or 10-29 grams of fiber supplements per day produced inconsistent short and long-term benefits on glycemic control. Soluble fiber supplements may be more effective in decreasing serum glucose than insoluble fiber. These studies are limited by the utilization of both soluble and insoluble fibers from several sources, some with combinations of sources within studies. Further study is required to identify specific recommendations for optimal dosage and types of fiber.
  
  It is unclear at this time if fiber supplements have a beneficial effect on serum lipids in diabetes.
  
  Conclusion:
  
  Based on the current data, it would appear that diets providing 30-50g fiber per day from whole food sources consistently produce lower serum glucose levels compared to a low fiber diet. Fiber supplements provided in doses of 10-29 grams per day may have some benefit in terms of glycemic control.
- Grade: III
  - Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
  - Grade II is Fair;
  - Grade III is Limited/Weak;
  - Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
  - Grade V is Not Assignable.
  - High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
  - Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
  - Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
  - Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
  - Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
- Evidence Summary: Dietary fiber supplements and health benefits in diabetes
- Evidence Summary: What is the evidence that dietary fiber from whole foods is beneficial in diabetes?
- Search Plan and Results: Dietary Fiber vs. Fiber Supplement: DM