Effects of cottonseed dietary fiber on metabolic parameters in diabetic rats and non-insulin-dependent diabetic humans

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gland cottonseed dietary fiber (CSDF) containing 86% dietary fiber (mainly cellulose) on serum glucose levels in diabetic rats and in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. A diet containing 15% CSDF given to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 30 d tended to reduce the postprandial plasma glucose level curve. Alternatively, CSDF significantly increased fecal weight (15 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 2 g; P < 0.01) and shortened transit time (20 ± 2.24 vs. 11.2 ± 0.8 h). CSDF had no effect on body weight and serum lipid levels. Twelve NIDDM subjects were given a meal tolerance test (MTT) with or without CSDF before and after daily supplementation of CSDF (16.5 g) in pita twice a day for a month. Incremental glucose levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower at 30, 60 and 180 min after the MTT containing CSDF than in subjects consuming a meal without CSDF. The insulin levels also tended to be lower. The NIDDM subjects tolerated the CSDF well. No flatulence or other side effects were exhibited. Plasma lipid levels remained unchanged. We therefore concluded that CSDF may have a potential benefit in the management of NIDDM.