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]
References
- ^Sierra M, García JJ, Fernández N, Diez MJ, Calle APTherapeutic effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patientsEur J Clin Nutr.(2002 Sep)
- ^Juhász AE, Greff D, Teutsch B, Gede N, Hegyi P, Horváth EM, Deák PÁ, Nyirády P, Ács N, Juhász RGalactomannans are the most effective soluble dietary fibers in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Am J Clin Nutr.(2023 Feb)
- ^Chattopadhyay K, Wang H, Kaur J, Nalbant G, Almaqhawi A, Kundakci B, Panniyammakal J, Heinrich M, Lewis SA, Greenfield SM, Tandon N, Biswas TK, Kinra S, Leonardi-Bee JEffectiveness and Safety of Ayurvedic Medicines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Front Pharmacol.(2022)
- ^Willcox ML, Elugbaju C, Al-Anbaki M, Lown M, Graz BEffectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials.Front Pharmacol.(2021)
- ^Karhunen LJ, Juvonen KR, Flander SM, Liukkonen KH, Lähteenmäki L, Siloaho M, Laaksonen DE, Herzig KH, Uusitupa MI, Poutanen KSA psyllium fiber-enriched meal strongly attenuates postprandial gastrointestinal peptide release in healthy young adults.J Nutr.(2010 Apr)
- ^Nuttall FQDietary fiber in the management of diabetes.Diabetes.(1993 Apr)
- ^Dow S, Pritchett KL, Hawk S, Herrington SJ, Gee DLUltrahigh-viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose blunts postprandial glucose after a breakfast meal in women.J Am Coll Nutr.(2012 Apr)
- ^Bajorek SA, Morello CMEffects of dietary fiber and low glycemic index diet on glucose control in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitusAnn Pharmacother.(2010 Nov)