Glucose tolerance in north Indians taking a high fibre diet

In 249 individuals of different age groups, taking a high fibre diet naturally, glucose tolerance studies were done after a standard glucose load (1.73 g/kg body weight or 100 g glucose). A group of 156 of the subjects were also studied after a standardized hospital meal (258 g carbohydrate, 14 g fat, 47 g protein and 32 g fibre). Mean blood glucose values after the high fibre mixed meal were lower than after the glucose load. The mean 2-h postprandial blood glucose was 2-4 mmol/l lower compared to that observed in other studies using less carbohydrate. The postprandial blood glucose pattern is likely to be as a result of (a) the large amount of carbohydrate and fibre in the test meal (b) the fat and protein content of the test meal (c) the habitual intake of such a meal and (d) the nature and type of fibre consumed in the meal. Among the subjects 1.2 per cent were found to have non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus while 2 per cent had impaired glucose tolerance. This prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in subjects, who came predominantly from a rural or semi-rural background, is lower than that found in urban areas of Northern India. The effect of age on glucose tolerance was clearly seen after the glucose load (0.4 mol/l/decade) and after the mixed meal (0.1 mmol/l/decade). These findings suggest the potential of the constituents of a typical North Indian diet in improving glucose tolerance.