[Hormonal changes during administration of dietary fibers in patients with decreased glucose tolerance]

The authors carried out a self-controlled study using 11, non-obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance. The first day an oral glucose tolerance test was performed as a control. This was repeated the next day with a simultaneous intake of 20 g natural wheat bran. On both days blood samples were taken at 30 minute intervals (for three hours period) after glucose or glucose plus bran ingestion to measure the plasma sugar, insulin, C-peptid, gastrin and glucagon levels. It has been found that: 1. With simultaneous bran intake the blood glucose levels were decreased as compared to the control values. 2. The serum insulin, and C-peptid levels were similar in both tests. 3. The glucagon response curve fell below that of the control. 4. The serum gastrin levels did not show any change following either glucose or glucose plus bran intake. It has been concluded, that the dietary fibres are able to decrease of glucagon release, beside their direct inhibitory effect on the level of sugar absorption from gastrointestinal tract.