High-fiber diet in the control of diabetes in rats.

The effects of high-fiber diet on the metabolic states in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were investigated. The animals were divided into three groups: group A fed on a diet containing 5% of fiber (bagasse), group B paired-fed on a control diet and group C fed on a control diet ad libitum. The body weight gain was greater and the fasting blood sugar level was lower in A than B and C. The plasma triglyceride level was lowest in A, while no significant difference in the serum total cholesterol level was observed between A and B. Plasma glucagon levels were decreased in A and increased significantly in B and C. Plasma insulin levels were not changed in these groups. These results support the theory that a high-fiber diet is an effective therapeutic regimen for the control of metabolic derangement in diabetics.