Psyllium seed is derived primarily from two species of the genus Plantago: P. ovata and P. psyllium. The majority of commercial psyllium is produced in India. Psyllium seed husks are particularly high in fiber and mucilage -- a gel-like compound that that is highly water-absorbent. A variety of purported health benefits have been attributed to psyllium seed, including benefits related to diabetes management. Consult your doctor before using psyllium to treat diabetes.
Diabetes Risk Factors
Psyllium supplementation decreases diabetes risk factors, according to a study published in the November 2010 issue of the journal "Annals of Pharmacotherapy." In the meta-study -- a review of previously published research -- that included seven studies, 10.2 g per day of psyllium seed supplementation decreased Hgba1c -- a measure of blood sugar levels for about three months prior to the test -- and also lowered blood sugar levels immediately after meals. The researchers concluded that psyllium may be a viable treatment option for managing blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetics who experience difficulty managing post-meal blood sugar levels.
Insulin
Fiber from psyllium husk and other plant foods may provide benefits that include decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation and blood sugar. A study published in the September 2010 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Gastroentrology" reported that psyllium, in particular, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and liver and controls post-prandial -- post-meal -- blood sugar levels and insulin levels in diabetics who do not need insulin. Psyllium also helps with weight and blood pressure management. The researchers note that psyllium should be taken with meals.
Fasting Blood Sugar
A study published in the October 2009 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reported that two months of psyllium supplementation in forty Type 2 diabetic study participants significantly decreased weight, Hgba1c -- a measure of blood sugar levels for three months preceding the test -- and fasting blood sugar levels.
Well-Tolerated
Blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetics responded well to supplementation with 5.1 g of psyllium husk fiber twice per day, in a study published in the November 2005 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." Forty-nine patients took psyllium 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner, in addition to diet and drug therapy, for eight weeks. Fasting blood sugar and Hgba1c levels were decreased and psyllium was well tolerated with no adverse side effects. Additionally, the participants reported a side benefit of decreased stomach upset with metformin -- a diabetes drug -- from taking psyllium.
References
- "Annals of Pharmacotherapy"; Effects of Dietary Fiber and Low Glycemic Index Diet on Glucose Control in Subjects with Type II Diabetes Mellitus; Bajorek SA, et al.; November 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology"; The Right Fiber for the Right Disease: an Update on the Psyllium Seed Husk and the Metabolic Syndrome; Giacosa A, et al.; September 2010
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; The Effects of Psyllium on Lipoproteins in Type II Diabetic Patients; Sartore G, et al.; October2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Psyllium Decreased Serum Glucose and Glycosylated Hemoglobin Significantly in Diabetic Outpatients; Ziai SA, et al.; November 2005
