Does psyllium affect blood glucose?

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    Last Updated: April 23, 2025

    Psyllium may help reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes by decreasing the rate of glucose absorption when it is taken with meals, but its effects on serum insulin are unclear. Although it can provide acute benefits, these may not persist after discontinuation, which suggests that it should be used as a supportive measure in diabetes management.

    For people with type 2 diabetes, psyllium use (3.1–14 grams per day for 6–12 weeks) may result in reductions in HbA1c levels. However, in the same studies, psyllium’s effects on serum insulin remain unclear.[1][2][3][4]

    The gel-forming properties of psyllium (14 grams per day for 6 weeks) appear to reduce the rate of glucose absorption from the intestines, which in turn lowers serum glucose concentrations.[1][5] It should be noted, however, that the response to psyllium seems most pronounced when taken with a meal, and it may vary from person to person, even if improvements are shown on average.[6][7]

    Though psyllium husk may reduce the blood glucose concentration acutely, that doesn’t necessarily mean the change persists once the supplementation is stopped.[7] Therefore, it may be best used as a supportive addition to routine care for people with diabetes.[8]

    Does psyllium affect blood glucose? - Examine