Control of oxidative stress and metabolic homeostasis by the suppression of postprandial hyperglycemia.

Repeated mental stress may lead to chronic alterations in cortisol and catecholamine concentrations and to insulin resistance. Furthermore, chronically elevated cortisol concentrations may favour the development of abdominal obesity and of the metabolic syndrome. Oxidative stress impairs glucose uptake in muscle and fat and correlates with BMI. Obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, especially soon after the onset of diabetes, usually exhibit postprandial hyperglycemia with delayed hyperinsulinemia. It is recognized that insulin resistance causes postprandial hyperglycemia; however, it is also possible that impairment of early insulin secretion in response to an oral glucose load is the reason why postprandial hyperglycemia occurs. Since even modest increases in postprandial glucose values can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the effects of palatinose based functional food which reduces postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia were investigated in rats. This novel food definitely reduced visceral fat accumulation and improved insulin sensitivity. Therefore, it is suggested that functional food which suppresses postprandial glucose level is beneficial for both stress and metabolic controls.