Psyllium consumption improves risk factors of diabetes

Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between psyllium (a dietary fiber) consumption and improvements of risk factors of diabetes?

Study design:
This review article included 9 RCTs with 395 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found psyllium consumption significantly reduced triglycerides levels with 19.18 mg/dL [WMD = -19.18 mg/dL, 95% CI = -31.76 to -6.60, I2 = 98%].

The investigators found psyllium consumption significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with 8.96 mg/dL [WMD = -8.96 mg/dL, 95% CI = -13.39 to -4.52, I2 = 97%].

The investigators found psyllium consumption significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels with 8.96 mg/dL [WMD = -31.71 mg/dL, 95% CI = -50.04 to -13.38, I2 = 97%].

The investigators found psyllium consumption significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c levels with 0.91% [WMD = -0.91%, 95% CI = -1.31 to -0.51, I2 = 99%].

The investigators found no significant change in high-density lipoprotein, body mass index, cholesterol and weight following psyllium consumption.

The investigators concluded there is a significant reduction in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol), fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels following psyllium consumption among diabetic patients.

Original title:
The effect of psyllium consumption on weight, body mass index, lipid profile, and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Xiao Z, Chen H, [...], Wei Y.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31919936

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on diabetes and fiber consumption right here.

Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. The psyllium husk is a naturally occurring source of soluble fiber.
Psyllium is commonly found in cereals, dietary supplements and is also added to some foods including baked products such as breads, cereal bars and rice/grain cakes.