Reduction of glucose and insulin levels in ob/ob obese mice fed soybean dietary fiber

We studied the effect of soybean dietary fiber on the oral glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels in ob/ob obese mice fed with or without soybean dietary fiber for 180 days. Fasting and after glucose loading plasma glucose levels in mice fed soybean dietary fiber were lower than in the corresponding group not receiving the fiber after 90 and 180 days on diets; insulin levels were only significant after 90 days. No significant differences were observed in cholesterol or triglycerides levels between the two groups during the entire period. Urine excretion and water intake were lower in mice fed an enriched fiber diet. Fecal weight was higher in the fiberrich group than in the group fed a fiber-free diet. No significant differences were found in body weight and energy intake between the two goups. In conclusion, soybean dietary fiber reveals a potential benefit for the control of glucose metabolism in hyperglycaemic and hyperinsulinaemic ob/ob obese mice.