Is Increased Dietary Fiber Intake Associated With Better...

Is Increased Dietary Fiber Intake Associated with Better Control of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults? A Review of Current Research Amy Faulkner DIE 4564 Evidence Based Research in Dietetics Professor Kathryn Brogan, PhD, RD ABSTRACT Introduction: With an estimated 26 million Americans currently living with Diabetes, 90-95% of the cases being type 2 diabetes, it is crucial lifestyle interventions are administered by health professionals to lessen the growth of this disease. Nutrition is a key component to reversing type 2 diabetes, and one way to reduce the risks associated with type 2 diabetes is through increased fiber intake. Not all fibers have the same effect on glycemic control, and therefore this review analyzed different types†¦show more content†¦It is established that increased viscosity is a key factor in choosing a fiber for therapy in type 2 diabetes, as it’s role in delayed nutrient absorption is key to normalizing glycemic control. Conclusion: After performing this systematic review, it is evident that increased fiber intake is associated with better control of type 2 diabetes in adults. Longer trials with more participants need to be conducted to determine the best type of fiber, and dosage for case-by-case scenarios to use fiber as an adjunct to dietary therapy in type 2 diabetes. INTRODUCTION Background: In a 2011 report, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated that diabetes affects 26 million people of all ages, and 11 million adults 65 years and older.1 Since type 2 diabetes is primarily a result of lifestyle choices, it is clear that health professionals, specifically nutrition professionals, have a responsibility to administer lifestyle interventions for those affected by this disease. Research has found that lifestyle interventions are more cost-effective than medications in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in individuals with pre-diabetes.1 Furthermore, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), showed that lifestyle interventions reduced the development of T2DM by 58% during a 3-year period.2 With nutrition as a key component in lifestyle interventions, specific nutrients are being studied for their efficacy in reducing