Search Results (174)

Background: Low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates like isomaltulose (ISO) are known to enhance incretin release and to improve postprandial glucose control at the following meal (an effect known as second meal effect, or SME), which is particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the most effective preprandial interval of ISO- or saccharose (SUC) snacks (1 h vs. 3 h preload) to enhance prandial incretin responses to a subsequent meal. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, 15 participants with MetS completed four experimental conditions on four non-consecutive days, combining two preload types (ISO or SUC) and two preload timings (Intervention A: 3 h preload; Intervention B: 1 h preload). Specifically, the four conditions were (1) ISO + Intervention A, (2) SUC + Intervention A, (3) ISO + Intervention B, and (4) SUC + Intervention B. The order of conditions was randomized and separated by a 3–7-day washout period to minimize carryover effects. On each study day, participants consumed two mixed meal tests (MMT-1 and MMT-2) with a standardized preload (50 g ISO or SUC) administered either 3 h or 1 h prior to MMT-2. Blood samples were collected over 9 h at 15 predefined time points for analysis of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP, and PYY). Results: The unique digestion profile of ISO resulted in a blunted glucose ascent rate (ΔG/Δt: 0.28 vs. 0.53 mmol/L/min for SUC, p < 0.01), paralleled by synonyms PYY elevation over 540 min monitoring, compared with SUC. ISO also led to higher and more sustained GLP-1 and PYY levels, while SUC induced a stronger GIP response. Notably, the timing of ISO consumption significantly influenced PYY secretion, with the 3 h preload showing enhanced PYY responses and a more favorable SME compared to the 1 h preload. Conclusions: ISO, particularly when consumed 3 h before a meal (vs. 1 h), offers significant advantages over SUC by elevating PYY levels, blunting the glucose ascent rate, and sustaining GLP-1 release. This synergy enhances the second meal effect, suggesting ISO’s potential for managing postprandial glycemic excursions in MetS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postprandial hyperglycemia is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, even in healthy individuals. Kanzaki mulberry leaf and water chestnut tea (MW tea), a blend of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves and water chestnut (Trapa japonica) leaves and husks, is rich in polyphenols and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and may suppress postprandial glucose spikes, but evidence regarding its short-term daily intake is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the postprandial glycemic response and safety of two-week MW tea consumption using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial involving 31 participants. Each intervention period lasted two weeks, separated by a one-week washout. Participants consumed either MW tea or a placebo before meals. Interstitial glucose levels were measured every 15 min using CGM. Postprandial glucose responses were recorded every 15 min for 180 min after a standardized meal on the first day of each period. The primary outcome was the coefficient of variation (CV) in glucose levels, calculated using data from the central 10 days of each intervention period. Safety was assessed using CGM-derived hypoglycemia metrics and blood test results. Results: The CV of glucose levels during the MW tea period was significantly lower than during the placebo period (mean difference: 0.02, p = 0.0006). A significant reduction in 1 h postprandial glucose area under the curve was also observed. No significant differences were found in hypoglycemia occurrence, liver/renal/inflammatory markers, or self-reported adverse symptoms. Notably, 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) levels significantly increased during MW tea intake, suggesting improved glycemic control. Conclusions: Short-term consumption of Kanzaki MW tea effectively suppressed postprandial glucose variability without safety concerns. These findings support MW tea as a promising natural supplement for glycemic management and the prevention of diabetes. Full article

Background: Dyspeptic symptoms are very common in the general population, with an estimated prevalence of 14% to 41%, and the majority of patients experience symptoms without an organic cause for them (so-called functional dyspepsia). While the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia remains elusive, the impact of functional dyspepsia on quality of life is detrimental. The treatment involves a change in lifestyle—a healthy diet and physical activity—in combination with pharmacological treatments. However, currently, there is no standard therapy for this condition, although a nutritional approach appears to be feasible and well accepted by patients. In this context, the intake of some mineral water types might be able to play an important role. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the regular intake of bicarbonate natural mineral water (Aqua Carpatica from source “F2 Păltiniș”) is able to positively influence the symptomatic process of dyspepsia, promoting digestion and improving the quality of life of patients. Methods: The patients enrolled in this open-label study had diagnosis of functional dyspepsia formulated in accordance with the Rome III criteria. During the 4-week study, patients had to ingest tap water at 1.5 L/day (wash-out period: 2 weeks), and in the 2-week subsequent period, they had to ingest alkaline natural mineral water at 1.5 L/day. The primary efficacy endpoint of this study includes a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the “heartburn”, “regurgitation”, and “dyspepsia” subscales and the total Reflux Disease Questionnaire’s (RDQ) score with respect to the effects of alkaline natural mineral water. As secondary endpoints, we considered statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in quality-of-life scores (Psychological General Well-Being Index—Short form; PGWB-S), the patient’s self-assessment of the state of efficiency of their digestion, and their sense of post-prandial fullness, as well as the use of antacids. Results: Forty-five patients were enrolled: all were Caucasian and mostly women (25, 55.6% vs. 20 men, 44.4%), and they were aged between 25 and 75 years (50.6 ± 13.5 years; mean ± SD). The results of this preliminary study show a significant improvement in functional dyspepsia symptoms—as assessed via the RDQ—and an improvement in quality of life—as assessed using the PGWB-S score—after the intake of alkaline natural mineral water. Conclusions: This preliminary study provides clinical evidence for a recommendation of alkaline natural mineral water as a symptomatic treatment of dyspepsia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nocturnal glucose regulation is a critical but underexplored determinant of next-day fasting glucose (FG), particularly in individuals with dysglycemia. This study examined the role of glucose levels after the last eating occasion (LEO) and during the overnight fast in predicting FG, considering the potential influence of carbohydrate content in LEO and insulin sensitivity. Methods: In a controlled 24 h protocol, 33 adults (50–75 years) with prediabetes or diet-controlled type 2 diabetes followed a standardized feeding schedule with meals at fixed times, including a LEO at 10:00 p.m. Continuous glucose monitoring was used to assess glucose during the 3 h postprandial period (LEO-PPGR) and two fasting intervals: chronological overnight fast (COF) and biological overnight fast (BOF). Associations with FG were tested using general linear models, adjusting for carbohydrate intake and insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index). Results: Glucose responses during LEO-PPGR—assessed by mean glucose, peak, and AUC—were strongly correlated with FG the next morning (r = 0.704, 0.535, and 0.708, p < 0.001). Similarly, glucose levels during COF and BOF were also correlated with FG (r = 0.878, p < 0.001 for both), but these associations weakened after adjustment for LEO carbohydrate content. The Matsuda index was positively correlated with glucose in all three periods (p < 0.05), yet its inclusion in the model attenuated all previously significant associations with FG. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the glycemic response to the last meal and subsequent overnight glucose levels contribute to next-day FG, but their impact is modulated by carbohydrate content and individual insulin sensitivity. Understanding nocturnal glycemic dynamics may inform strategies for improving metabolic outcomes in dysglycemia. Full article

Pea and lentil flours are added to baked foods, pastas, and snacks to improve nutritional quality and functionality compared to products made solely with refined wheat flour. However, the effect of whole pulses versus their serving size equivalent of flour on blood glucose has not been investigated in persons with altered glycemic response. Health claims for whole pulses are based on a ½ cup amount whereas commercial pulse flour servings are typically a smaller size. The glycemic responses of four treatment meals containing 50 g available carbohydrate as ½ cup whole pulse or the dry weight equivalent of pulse flour were compared with a control beverage (Glucola^®). Eleven adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and eight adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) completed the study. Venous blood samples were collected at fasting and at 30 min intervals postprandial for three hours. Changes in net difference in plasma glucose over time from baseline and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) segments were analyzed. All four pulse meals attenuated the iAUC compared to the control from 0 to 120 min for T2DM participants and 0–180 min for MetS participants. Whole pulses produced a lower glycemic response than pulse flours in the early postprandial period for persons with T2DM and during the overall test period for those with MetS. Full article

Background: Calorie restriction is increasingly recognized as a strategy for glycemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by promoting weight loss and potentially achieving diabetes remission. This study evaluated the feasibility of a 12-week structured calorie-restricted dietary intervention based on healthy Korean dietary patterns for adults with early type 2 DM. Methods: Adults aged 18–60 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m² and a short duration of diabetes were recruited. The intervention comprised two phases: a 6-week weight loss phase, targeting a 3% reduction every two weeks, starting with an 800 kcal/day diet and increasing by 200 kcal per phase, with all meals provided via home delivery, followed by a 6-week self-managed weight maintenance period, preceded by a one-week reintroduction phase with meals provided. Results: Among 27 participants, 24 completed the intervention (89% retention). Mean weight reduction at 6 weeks was 6.4 kg (7.6%), primarily achieved during Phase 1 (5.1%). By 12 weeks, the average weight reduction further improved to 7.4 kg (8.7%). Dietary adherence ranged from 80% to 90%, with energy intake closely aligning with the prescribed targets. Non-achievers exhibited a smaller initial reduction (2.5 kg vs. 3.9 kg), with the gap persisting throughout the study. Postprandial glycemic response to a mixed meal (65% carbohydrate) significantly improved from baseline to week 5. Conclusions: This structured dietary intervention demonstrated substantial weight reduction and improved glycemic response in adults with type 2 DM, highlighting its feasibility and effectiveness as a guided strategy for weight management. Full article

An upward trend has been observed in recent years in which consumers are actively more conscious about finding healthier food alternatives to purchase. Based on the constantly increasing demands of the diabetes food market, a new product of canned peach halves was designed at the Laboratory of Technology & Food Quality & Food Safety of the University of Thessaly through the substitution of sugar with sweetening agents coming from the Stevia plant and Agave syrup. For the production process of the samples the ingredients were carefully selected. Then, the recipes were designed along with the determination of the all the parameters that should be taken into account according to the thermal processing of previous studies. After the completion of the production process, the samples were stored in a dark and cold environment for a 6-month period. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed before and after simulated digestion (INFOGEST protocol) to determine their nutritional characteristics and their microbiological safety. The samples were then given to consumers to test the organoleptic characteristics of the new products. The results of the microbiological, nutritional, organoleptic, and meal tests were analyzed in order to assess the quality of samples. The canned peaches with Stevia had higher bio-availability and liking scores, and resulted in lower post-prandial glucose levels. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of consuming in a full-course meal manner over one hour, with intervals between courses, on glycemic and insulin parameters in young healthy women, with a randomized controlled crossover study design. Experiment 1: Fifteen participants consumed a test meal under two eating conditions: fast eating manner for 10 min, and eating in a full-course meal manner for 60 min. In both conditions, the food order was standardized: vegetables first, followed by the main dish, and carbohydrates last. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at 0, 40, 80, 120, and 180 min on two separate days. Postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels at 40 min, as well as the incremental area under the curve (IAUC) at 40 min for glucose and the IAUC at both 40 and 80 min for insulin, were significantly lower for the full-course meal manner compared to the fast eating manner, due to delayed consumption of the carbohydrate dish in the former condition at these time points. To continuously monitor postprandial blood glucose responses over a 24 h period, Experiment 2 was conducted using an intermittent continuous glucose monitoring system (isCGM). Eighteen participants wore isCGM devices and consumed the same test meals under the two different eating conditions as in Experiment 1. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE; p < 0.05) and IAUC for glucose were significantly lower for the full-course meal manner compared to the fast eating manner. These findings suggest that consuming meals in a full-course meal manner, with intervals between courses, is associated with a reduced MAGE in young healthy women. Full article

Background: The meal sequencing of macronutrients has been shown to ameliorate postprandial glucose excursion, but its effects in daily meals has not been investigated. We examined the impact on the glucose response to meal sequencing in healthy Japanese adults using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during a typical lunch meal. Methods: The test meal was a Japanese set meal or a beef and rice bowl, the contents of which were categorized as “rice” or “non-rice”. In the meal experiments, the subjects ingested the two categories of food in one of three orders: non-rice before rice, non-rice and rice together, and non-rice after rice. In the beef and rice bowl experiments, the subjects ingested either non-rice 15 min before rice or the two foods together. Results: The postprandial glucose level was measured over a 4 h period and the mean level of postprandial glucose was significantly lower than that when eating rice before non-rice or both together. Consuming non-rice before rice significantly reduced postprandial glycemic excursions in healthy adults in both experiments. Conclusions: Meal-sequencing by “eat carbs last” is a feasible dietary strategy for the better prevention and management of diabetes. Full article

Background: There is compelling evidence of an inverse association between potassium intake and blood pressure (BP). A potential mechanism for this effect may be dietary potassium-mediated augmentation of endothelium-dependent relaxation. To date, studies have investigated potassium intake supplementation over several weeks in healthy volunteers with variable results on vascular function. There is no assessment of the acute vascular effects of potassium supplementation achieved by the ingestion of potassium-rich food in a hypertensive population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a high potassium meal on postprandial endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Methods: We performed an investigator-blinded randomized crossover trial in 33 treated hypertensive individuals. Participants consumed both a high (~2400 mg) and low (~543 mg) K⁺ meal, separated by a one-week washout period. The primary endpoint was endothelial function as assessed by FMD pre-meal and postprandially at 60 and 120 min. Meals were compared at each time point using the Hills–Armitage approach. Results: 33 individuals were included in the study (48% male, mean age 68). In the fasting state (Baseline), and at 60 min postprandial, radial artery FMD was not significantly different between the participants after consumption of either meal (baseline: high K⁺ 4.2 ± 2% versus Low K⁺ 2.6 ± 3%, p = 0.93; 60 min: high K⁺ 3.8 ± 4% versus Low K⁺ 4.1 ± 3%, p = 0.69). However, at 120 min, FMD tended to be higher in participants after the high K⁺ meal (5.2 ± 4.1%) than after the low K⁺ meal (3.9 ± 4.1%) (p = 0.07). There were no differences in participants’ radial artery diameter and blood flow between meals. Conclusions: This study does not support our hypothesis that a single high K⁺ meal improves vascular function in individuals with treated hypertension. This does not contradict the clinical evidence relating greater K⁺ intake with lower BP, but suggests that mechanistic investigations of increased K⁺ intake through diet alone and its impact on endothelial function as a mediator to reducing BP are complex and not simply due to single nutrient-mediated improvement in vascular function. Full article

With an increasing number of people pursuing a healthy diet, people have gradually realized the significance of adequate dietary fiber in their diets. In this experiment, wheat bran was collected from eight regions in China with different longitudes and latitudes, different altitudes, and average temperatures during the filling period to study the differences in the Arabinoxylan (AX) of wheat bran. The higher the altitude of the wheat production area was, the higher the AX content in the wheat bran was. Therefore, wheat bran from high-altitude production areas was selected for extracting AX. Different proportions of AX were added to wheat starch (WS) to explore the influence of different concentrations of AX on the gelatinization of WS, including the solubility, swelling capacity, rheological properties, and microstructure of the gelatinized products. Among these eight kinds of wheat, the content of total AX accounted for 11.90–15.79% of their dry weight, with the highest content being in wheat from Wuwei, Gansu. Among them, the content of water-soluble AX accounted for approximately 0.85% of their dry weight content. After adding different concentrations of 0.05–2% AX to the WS system, the gel network structure was changed. The starch hydrolysis rate of bread with 2% AX added was the lowest, of which the contents of rapidly digestible starch and slowly digestible starch were 40.02% and 36.61%, and resistant starch was as high as 25.31%. The addition of AX to starch-based foods is helpful for controlling postprandial blood sugar and insulin levels. Full article

The literature on the postprandial metabolic changes in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) remains limited, despite the fact that postprandial states represent the most common physiological condition in Western societies. Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the plasma metabolomics profile in both fasting and postprandial states following a high-fat challenge in individuals with MetS who consumed diets with varying quantities and qualities of dietary fat over 12 weeks. Methods: Seventy-five patients with MetS (28 males and 47 females) from the Spanish LIPGENE cohort were included in the study. MetS patients were randomly stratified to follow one of four dietary interventions (isoenergetic diets) for a 12-week long-term study. The four diets were high in saturated fatty acids and high in monounsaturated fatty acids (HSFA and HMUFA), low-fat high-complex carbohydrates (LFHCC), and LFHCC supplemented with n-3. The metabolomics analysis of plasma samples was carried out using Liquid Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS). Results: We observed a decrease in inflammation biomarkers, including acetylcarnitine and L-carnitine during the fasting state and hexanoyl-L-carnitine and isobutyryl-L-carnitine during the postprandial period, mediated by the replacement of HSFA with HMUFA. Additionally, antioxidant compounds such as 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and L-valine were expressed at higher levels after consumption of the HMUFA diet compared to the HSFA diet. HSFA also presented altered levels of phosphatidylcholine, a metabolite previously linked with insulin resistance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that replacing HSFA with HMUFA may reduce inflammation and improve antioxidant profiles, supporting the potential for tailored dietary interventions in individuals with MetS. Full article

Ceratonia siliqua L. is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat many diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of the stages of the immature phase of carob pulp (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5) on phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic activity of Ceratonia siliqua L. The identification of the phenolic profile by HPLC-UV/MS-MS and the study of the antidiabetic effect by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies were carried out for extracts with high contents of phenolic compounds from immature wild carob pulp from the communes of Timoulit (TM), Bin Elouidane (AW), and Ouaouizerth (TG) in the province of Azilal in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. The results revealed a gradual increase in total sugar content over the pulp’s ripening period, reaching a value of 2134 ± 56.23 mg GE/100 g fresh weight (FW) for TG. The three locations showed peak values for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin (TCT) at the M2 stage. AW had the highest concentrations of TPC (3819 ± 226.4 mg GAE/100 g FM), TFC (1034 ± 57.08 mg QE/100 g FM), and TCT (1472 ± 28.46 mg CE/100 g FM). The DPPH assay (7892 ± 296.1 mg TE/100 g FM) and the FRAP assay (278.2 ± 7.85 mg TE/100 g FM) both demonstrated that the TG zone is a highly potent antioxidant zone. In contrast, the AW site exhibited a markedly elevated value of 725.4 ± 103.6 mg TE/100 g FM in the ABTS assay. HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis showed that the methanolic extracts of immature carob pulp (MEICP) from the three areas contained several different chemical compounds. The most prevalent were 3-O-p-coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-methyl ether, gallic acid, and galloylquinic acid. Immature carob pulp extract (ICPE) from AW showed the strongest in vitro inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 0.405 µg/mL) and TG extracts were most potent against intestinal α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 0.063 µg/mL). In vivo, AW, TG, and TM extracts significantly reduced postprandial glycemia in rats, with AW having the greatest effect. These results highlight the antidiabetic potential of ICPE. The 3-O-p-Coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid showed better affinity for α-amylase compared to acarbose and interacted significantly with several amino acid residues of the enzyme. Similarly, this molecule and 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated a strong affinity for α-glucosidase, suggesting their potential as natural inhibitors of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Most of the compounds are not substrates of P-glycoprotein and exhibited high intestinal absorption. Furthermore, the majority of these compounds did not act as inhibitors or substrates of CYP450 enzymes, reinforcing their suitability for development as oral medications. These results underscore the potential of immature carob pulp as a promising antidiabetic agent. Full article

Natural flavonoids exert many potential health benefits, including anti-hyperglycaemic effects. However, the effects of gossypetin (GTIN) on glucose homeostasis in pre-diabetes have not yet been investigated. This study examined the effects of GTIN on key markers of glucose homeostasis in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model. Pre-diabetes was induced by allowing the animals to feed on a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet supplemented with 15% fructose water for 20 weeks. Following pre-diabetes induction, the pre-diabetic animals were sub-divided into five groups (n = 6), where they were either orally treated with GTIN (15 mg/kg) or metformin (MET) (500 mg/kg), both with and without dietary intervention, over a 12-week period. The results demonstrated that animals in the untreated pre-diabetic (PD) control group exhibited significantly higher fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, as well as elevated plasma insulin concentrations and increased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) index, relative to the non-pre-diabetic (NPD) group. Similarly, increased caloric intake, body weight and plasma ghrelin levels were observed in the PD control group. Notably, these parameters were significantly reduced in the PD animals receiving GTIN treatment. Additionally, glycogen levels in the liver and skeletal muscle, which were disturbed in the PD control group, showed significant improvement in both GTIN-treated groups. These findings may suggest that GTIN administration, with or without dietary modifications, may offer therapeutic benefits in ameliorating glucose homeostasis disturbances associated with the PD state. Full article

Polyphenol-rich Aronia fruits have great potential as a functional food with anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic biologic activities. However, clinical intervention trials investigating the impact of Aronia fruit consumption on human health are limited. A randomized, controlled, double-blinded, parallel intervention trial was conducted using 14 human subjects who ingested either 0 mL or 100 mL of Aronia juice daily for 30 days. Anthropometric measurements, fasting, and postprandial measures of glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammation, 16S rRNA fecal microbial composition data, and mass spectrometry-acquired serum and fecal metabolomic data were collected before and after the intervention period. Data were analyzed using general linear models, ANOVA, and t-tests. Daily consumption of Aronia prevented a rise in cholesterol levels (β = −0.50, p = 0.03) and reduced postprandial glucose (β = −3.03, p < 0.01). No difference in microbial community composition by condition was identified at any taxonomic level, but a decrease (β = −18.2, p = 0.04) in microbial richness with Aronia was detected. Serum and fecal metabolomic profiles indicated shifts associated with central carbon and lipid metabolism and decreases in pro-inflammatory metabolites. Our study further informs the development of polyphenol-based dietary strategies to lower metabolic disease risk. Full article