A diet containing food rich in soluble and insoluble fiber improves glycemic control and reduces hyperlipidemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The clinical significance of fiber on metabolic control among people with type 2 diabetes is debatable. Patients with type 2 diabetes who consumed a diet containing food naturally rich in fiber (e.g., 50 g fiber/day, 50% soluble) for 6 weeks had significant improvements in glycemic control and lipid panels when compared with patients who consumed a diet with moderate amounts of fiber (e.g., 25 g fiber/day, 50% soluble). Whether this high intake of fiber-rich food, especially fruits, can be maintained, tolerated without side effects or micronutrient deficiencies, and affordable for longer than 6 weeks in people with type 2 diabetes remains to be determined.