Islamabad
A new study suggests that a high-fiber diet may improve blood sugar control and weight management among people with type 2 diabetes and obesity more effectively than metformin alone.
Published in Frontiers in Microbiology, the study involved 48 adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were also overweight or obese. Participants followed either a high-fiber diet without medication or a metformin-only regimen for 84 days.
Researchers found that participants following the high-fiber diet had better outcomes in body mass index (BMI) and long-term blood sugar control, measured through HbA1c levels, compared with those taking metformin alone.
The high-fiber diet was also associated with changes in gut bacteria, including increases in beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and a reduction in Bilophila wadsworthia, a bacterium linked to inflammation and metabolic problems.
Experts said the findings highlight the importance of dietary fiber in managing diabetes and obesity but cautioned against interpreting the results as proof that fiber can replace prescribed medication.
They noted that the study was small and relatively short, calling for larger and longer-term research to confirm the findings.
Health experts recommend increasing fiber intake gradually through beans, lentils, peas, whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Adequate fluid intake is also important when increasing dietary fiber.
