A systematic review of the research around diabetes and fibre has been conducted by University of Otago, and the scientists say diabetics should be eating more whole grains.
The study was conducted to inform an update of European nutrition guidelines for diabetes management.
Researchers examined prospective cohort studies of dietary fibre intake and mortality as well as controlled trials, which considered the effects of increasing fibre intakes on glycaemic control and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The dose response relationships between dietary fibre and these outcomes to determine a more reliable estimate for recommended intakes was explored.
The findings
It was found that participants in prospective cohort studies consuming higher intakes of dietary fibre had reduced risk of premature mortality when compared with those with lower fibre intakes.
Additionally, it was found that the results from controlled trials were complementary, with increasing intake of fibre improving glycaemic control and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as cholesterol levels and body weight.
Those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should increase their dietary fibre intakes by 15g per day or to 35g per day.
