Postprandial Glucose Levels Research Articles

The effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on diabetes distress & anxiety among people with type 2 diabetes

Background & objectives Diabetes distress (DD) is a mental condition that can develop in people with diabetes and shares characteristics with stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim was to determine the effect of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy on DD, anxiety, glycemic control, hemodynamic and lipid measures among people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods A total of 80 participants were recruited for this prospective randomised intervention study and divided into two groups equally; group 1 (Control) (n=40) received general counselling for stress reduction and group 2 (Intervention) (n=40) received PMR therapy and general counselling for stress reduction. A pre-, and post-test was done with diabetes distress Scale (DDS) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Scales. Baseline data on anthropometric, hemodynamic, biochemical details were collected and repeated after three months. Thirty-six participants, with four dropouts in each group, reported for follow up. Diabetes medication regimens in both groups remained unchanged throughout the study period. Results There was a significant reduction in the total mean scores of DDS (Pre vs. Post) (3.8 vs. 1.6) and GAD Scale (17.9 vs. 6.3; P<0.0001) in the intervention group. The PMR therapy group showed a significant reduction in HbA1c, fasting and post prandial (PP) glucose levels with HbA1c (baseline vs. follow up; 9.2% vs. 7.6%), fasting (194.5 mg/dl vs. 142.4 mg/dl) and PP glucose levels (266.5 mg/dl vs. 175.5 mg/dl) (P=0.001) whereas control group showed an increase in HbA1c, fasting and PP glucose levels. The impact of PMR therapy was also reflected in the lipid profile. Seventy per cent of the intervention group participants followed PMR therapy regularly. Interpretation & conclusions Our study findings highlighted that PMR therapy had a positive effect on diabetes distress and anxiety among people with T2DM. It also improved glycemic control and can be used as an adjunctive to the medications for better management of T2DM.

HYA ameliorated postprandial hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes model rats with bolus insulin treatment.

The oral administration of linoleic acid immediately before glucose tolerance test (OGTT) ameliorated postprandial hyperglycemia via GPR120 pathway in normal and type 1 diabetes (T1DM) rats. Linoleic acid could promote inflammatory mediators, but 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid (HYA) converted from linoleic acid by Lactobacillus plantarum has higher GPR120 agonistic activity without promoting inflammatory mediators. This study examined whether the oral-administration of HYA immediately before OGTT also ameliorated the postprandial hyperglycemia in normal rats and T1DM rats injected with bolus insulin. Normal and T1DM male Sprague-Dawley rats received HYA immediately before OGTT. Other T1DM rats were given HYA and Humulin R immediately before OGTT. We measured the concentration of glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin in blood before and after OGTT. We also measured the amount of glucose in the gastric tract after OGTT, and the amount of uptake of methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside in CACO-2 cells. Postprandial hyperglycemia was ameliorated by HYA in normal rats, and the postprandial blood glucose levels were slowly elevated by HYA in the T1DM model rats. HYA partially inhibited the uptake of methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside in CACO-2 cells. HYA slowed gastric motility and increased the plasma GLP-1 and cholecystokinin levels in normal rats. HYA also ameliorated the postprandial hyperglycemia in T1DM rats given bolus insulin. Oral administration of HYA immediately before OGTT ameliorated postprandial hyperglycemia through inhibition of glucose absorption and slowing of gastric motility in normal rats. Furthermore, this beneficial effect of HYA was also revealed in T1DM rats injected with bolus insulin.

Effects of in vitro simulated digestion on the hypoglycaemic capacity of wheat bran-soluble dietary fibre.

Wheat bran-soluble dietary fibre (WB-SDF) is known for its hypoglycaemic properties and its potential to control postprandial blood glucose levels in individuals with hyperglycaemia. However, the digestive process may alter its glucose-lowering potential. This study investigated the effects of in vitro simulated digestion on the hypoglycaemic efficacy of WB-SDF. The hypoglycaemic effects of WB-SDF were determined by examining its glucose-binding capacity, glucose dialysis retardation index and ability to inhibit glucose uptake and transport in Caco-2cells. Structural changes after digestion were analysed via polysaccharide conformation analysis, microstructure observation and particle size measurements to evaluate their impacts on hypoglycaemic efficacy. Results indicate that WB-SDF and digested wheat bran-dietary fibre significantly decreased glucose adsorption and α-glucosidase activity compared with the control group in Caco-2cells. However, simulated digestion resulted in a relatively smaller reduction in α-glucosidase activity compared with the WB-SDF treatment group. The massive loss of surface laminar structure, reduction of -OH groups and partial glycosidic bond breakage in digested wheat bran-dietary fibre after digestion led to reduced glucose adsorption capacity and glucose dialysis retardation index. Moreover, the reduction in particle size after digestion enhanced the inhibition of glucose transport-related gene expression in Caco-2cells. Thus, although digestion weakens the glucose adsorption of WB-SDF, it improves its ability to inhibit glucose transport, highlighting the intricate interplay between structural modifications and hypoglycaemic efficacy.

Development of Intelligent Application for Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Disease in Pregnant Women

Glucose intolerance during pregnancy or in women with reduced glucose tolerance after pregnancy termination is known as gestational diabetes mellitus. One of the main reasons pregnant women die is gestational diabetes mellitus (DMG). One of two factors can lead to diabetes: either insulin resistance (the body does not fully respond to insulin) or an autoimmune reaction (the body's defense system assaults the cells that make insulin). If there is an increase in both the 2-hour postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, DMG illness is manually diagnosed. Blood pressure and body mass index calculations are part of the physical examination in the early stages of pregnancy. Analyzing risk variables such age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, prior history of gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes mellitus, and history of giving birth to infants weighing more than 4,000 grams (macrosomia) is essential during the anamnesis. Doctors also evaluate the results of the examination. Developing a machine learning model to identify early gestational diabetes mellitus (DMG) in expectant mothers is the aim of this study. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Backpropagation is the technique employed. Prior to being incorporated into the JST model, the dataset is cleaned and normalized. The optimal model for diagnosis is obtained by processing and testing the JST model. 94% accuracy is the resultant accuracy.

Key molecular scaffolds in the development of clinically viable α-amylase inhibitors.

The escalating cases of type II diabetes combined with adverse side effects of current antidiabetic drugs spurred the advancement of innovative approaches for the management of postprandial glucose levels. α-Amylase is an endoamylase responsible for the breakdown of internal α-1,4-glycosidic linkages in dietary starch, producing oligosaccharides. Subsequently, α-glucosidase degraded these oligosaccharides to monosaccharides, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and become available to the body. The inhibitors of α-amylase reduced the digestibility of carbohydrates accompanied by delayed glucose absorption, leading to decreased blood glucose levels after meals and thus, inhibition of the enzyme seems to be a crucial strategy for diabetes management and improving overall glycemic control in diabetic patients. The present review article emphasizes the therapeutic promise of recently discovered potential α-amylase inhibitors, highlighting their in vitro, in silico and in vivo profiles. Ultimately, we addressed the contemporary challenges and potential routes ahead in the search for safe and reliable α-amylase inhibitors for clinical use, summarizing the most recent research in the field.

A short-course of low-dose insulin detemir effectively decreases blood glucose levels in gestational diabetic women undergoing dexamethasone treatment to promote newborn lung maturity.

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus undergoing glucocorticoid treatment to prevent neonatal respiratory distress syndrome could have increased glucose level. We performed a retrospective study and reviewed gestational diabetic women who received an intramuscular dexamethasone injection (6 mg, every 12 hours, 4 times) in our hospital between December 2018 and June 2020. Eligible pregnant women were assigned to the study group (with simultaneous subcutaneous insulin detemir injection, 2-4 units per day) or the control group (without insulin detemir injection). The fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were measured before and on days 1, 2, and 3 after the insulin detemir injection. The changes in their blood glucose levels were compared before and after the drug administrations as well as between the 2 groups. A total of 104 pregnant women were analyzed, including 48 women in the study group and 56 women in the control group. The blood glucose levels increased, with the peak levels occurring on the next day, after the dexamethasone administration in both groups. Compared with the control group, the study group had lower 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels on days 2 and 3 after the insulin detemir injection (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in the fasting blood glucose levels between the 2 groups. Dexamethasone administration increased the blood glucose levels in the pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. A short-course of low-dose insulin detemir administration effectively lowered the blood glucose levels in these women.

Short-term effects of brief stair climbing interruptions on postprandial hyperglycemia during prolonged sitting: a randomized cross-over trial

Prolonged sitting can negatively impact postprandial glucose levels and cognitive function. While short bouts of stair climbing are thought to mitigate these risks, the findings remain inconclusive. The present study aimed to explore the effects of stair climbing bouts on postprandial glucose and cognitive functions during prolonged sitting. Twenty-eight sedentary young adults (aged 20–30 years) underwent two intervention visits after standardised lunch for two hours: (1) STAIR: the participants climbed two flight of stairs for two minutes every 30 min; (2) SIT: the participants continued to sit. Blood glucose was measured using capillary finger prick method while attention function was measured using computer-based cognitive tests at baseline, end of 1st hour and 2nd hour. Significant interaction (F2, 54 = 15.96, p < 0.001) was observed for conditions and time. During STAIR visit, significant changes in postprandial glucose at 1st hour (β = − 2.6 mmol/dl, p < 0.001) and 2nd hour (β = 3.0 mmol/dl, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the attention functions with time and conditions was observed. Stair climbing interruptions may serve as a feasible and effective countermeasure to high glycaemic variability or excursions that occur during prolonged sitting after postprandial hyperglycaemia.

Effectiveness and Safety of Vildagliptin Sustained Release in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Real-World Evidence in Indian Patients [NOVELTY Study

Vildagliptin sustained release (XR), a formulation that provides vildagliptin 100 mg with a once-daily dose administration, is a recent introduction to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in India. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of vildagliptin XR in patients with type 2 diabetes in real-world clinical settings. This was an observational, prospective, multicenter, cohort study conducted in India, which included patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on metformin XR monotherapy with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7.00%. Vildagliptin XR was added to their ongoing treatment. The primary endpoint was a change in HbA1c from baseline to 3 months. Secondary endpoints were changes in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose, percentage of patients achieving HbA1c <7.00% at 3 months, and assessment of efficacy, tolerability, and safety. A total of 1691 patients from 118 centers were enrolled in this study, having a mean (standard deviation) age of 53.10 (11) years and a mean (standard deviation) HbA1c of 8.44 (1.35) %. At the end of the study, vildagliptin XR significantly reduced the mean HbA1c by 1.02% points (95% confidence interval 0.93-1.12; p < 0.001) from baseline. The mean fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced by 28.44 mg/dL (95% confidence interval 26.64-30.25; p < 0.001) and 48.45 mg/dL (95% confidence interval 45.91-50.99; p < 0.001), respectively, with vildagliptin XR, at the end of study. During the study duration, 34.7% of patients achieved their glycemic target (HbA1c <7.0%) and there were three reported adverse events (all mild in severity). Results demonstrated that vildagliptin XR (100 mg once daily) significantly improved HbA1c and other glycemic parameters in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes and was well tolerated. The study was registered under the Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2022/01/039112).

Phytochemical investigation and evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in aqueous extracts of Cedrus atlantica

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem requiring innovative approaches for effective management. Natural compounds derived from medicinal plants offer promising avenues due to their diverse biological activities. The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects of Cedrus atlantica extracts on the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which play a crucial role in the regulation of postprandial glucose levels, as well as to investigate their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capabilities. Aqueous extract of bark (EA), aqueous extract of cones (CA), and aqueous extract of leaves (FA) of C. atlántica were prepared and evaluated for enzyme inhibition using acarbose as a standard. The CA extract showed potent α-amylase inhibition (IC50 307 ± 0.02 μg/mL) and remarkable α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 70 ± 0.04 μg/mL), outperforming the FA and EA extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed that EA and CA extracts had higher total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and tannin content than FA extract. Antioxidant assessments highlighted the outstanding performance of CA extract, with a low IC50 ABTS (30.65 ± 0.1 μg/mL) and an impressive EC50 FRAP (59.43 ± 1.19 μg/mL), outperforming FA extract. The results demonstrate the remarkable antidiabetic potential of C. atlantica extracts, particularly the CA extract, by inhibiting key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. These extracts possess various phytochemical compounds with significant antioxidant capacities, suggesting that they are suitable for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. Further research to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds in CA extract could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Substituted piperazine conjugated to quinoline-thiosemicarbazide as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors to target hyperglycemia

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a growing global health challenge characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance. One therapeutic approach to managing this condition is the inhibition of α-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion, to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. In this study, a series of thiosemicarbazide-linked quinoline-piperazine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, to identify new agents for type 2 diabetes management. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that the nature and position of substituents on the aryl ring significantly impacted the inhibitory potency. Among the synthesized derivatives, the 2,5-dimethoxy phenyl substitution (7j) exhibited the most potent activity with an IC50 value of 50.0 µM, demonstrating a 15-fold improvement compared to the standard drug acarbose. Kinetic studies identified compound 7j as a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki value of 32 µM. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated key interactions between compound 7j and the active site of α-glucosidase, while molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the enzyme-ligand complex, reflected in low RMSD and RMSF values.

Quinoa is more effective than other whole grains in the management of impaired glucose tolerance: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of quinoa versus multigrain supplementation on glycemia and lipid metabolism among individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). In total, 207 participants diagnosed with IGT were randomly assigned to the quinoa group (QG; 100 g day-1, replacing about half of the total daily staple food), multiple whole grain group (WGG; 100 g day-1), or control group (CG) and followed for one year. Biomarkers were measured before and after the intervention. At the efficacy endpoint, the quinoa group (QG) demonstrated significantly longer time in range (TIR) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) conversion rate, along with lower rates of 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), 14-day mean blood glucose (14dMBG), and diabetes mellitus development compared to those of the multigrain and control groups (P < 0.05). Significant improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were also found in both the quinoa and multigrain groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in glycemic variability (CV) was observed between the quinoa and control groups, while a significant difference was observed between the quinoa and multigrain groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that quinoa consumption is significantly more effective than a multiple whole-grain diet in controlling IGT by reducing postprandial glucose and HbA1c levels, improving insulin resistance, and enhancing lipid profiles, making it a superior dietary choice for managing IGT.

A feeding-induced myokine modulates glucose homeostasis.

Maintaining blood glucose homeostasis during fasting and feeding is crucial for the prevention of dysregulation that can lead to either hypo- or hyperglycaemia. Here we identified feimin, encoded by a gene with a previously unknown function (B230219D22Rik in mice, C5orf24 in humans), as a key modulator of glucose homeostasis. Feimin is secreted from skeletal muscle during feeding and binds to its receptor, receptor protein tyrosine kinase Mer (MERTK), promoting glucose uptake and inhibiting glucose production by activation of AKT. Administration of feimin and insulin synergistically improves blood glucose homeostasis in both normal and diabetic mice. Notably, a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (rs7604639, G>A) within the MERTK gene, causing an amino acid substitution (R466K) within the feimin-MERTK binding region, leads to reduced association with feimin and elevated postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels in humans. Our findings underscore a role of the feimin-MERTK signalling axis in glucose homeostasis, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic avenues for diabetes.

Effects of blenderized watermelon consumption on satiety and postprandial glucose in overweight and obese adolescents.

Watermelon and its rind are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and L-citrulline. Despite these nutritional benefits, research on the effects of blenderized watermelon (WM), especially in adolescents, remains limited. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the impact of blenderized WM (Citrullus lanatus, including both flesh and rind) on satiety, postprandial glucose responses, and overall acceptability among overweight and obese adolescents. In a randomized crossover design, 20 participants consumed 240mL of either blenderized watermelon (WM) or an isocaloric sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) on separate days. A triangle sensory test assessed participants' ability to distinguish between WM with and without rind, while acceptability assessments rated flavor, sweetness, and overall satisfaction using a seven-point hedonic scale. Blenderized WM consumption resulted in significantly lower postprandial glucose levels at 20 and 40min (P<0.01) compared to SSB. Satiety responses showed delayed increases in hunger and desire to eat with WM. Feelings of fullness increased at 20min for WM (P=0.033), while SSB resulted in lower fullness than baseline at 120min (P=0.006). Participants reported increased appetite after 120min with WM, compared to 60min with SSB (P<0.05). In the triangle sensory test, 70% of participants correctly identified WM with and without rind, with acceptability assessments favoring WM without rind. Blenderized WM shows potential for stabilizing postprandial glucose levels and enhancing satiety in overweight and obese adolescents. However, improving the sensory qualities of WM with rind is crucial to increase its appeal as a healthier alternative to sugary snacks. While these findings highlight its promise for managing glucose and promoting satiety, further efforts to enhance its palatability are needed.

The effect of co-ingesting rice and liquid on glycemic response and gastric emptying in healthy subjects.

Postprandial glycemic response is closely associated with gastric emptying rate. However, the effects of combining carbohydrates with liquid on gastric emptying and glycemic response are complicated. Here, we investigated the effect of co-ingesting rice and liquid in different ways on gastric emptying and glycemic response in healthy subjects. We performed a randomized crossover study in 12 healthy females. Three types of test meal were prepared: 150 g white rice (rice), 150 g white rice served alongside 200 mL of green tea (rice + tea), and 150 g white rice with 100 mL green tea poured over and served alongside 100 mL green tea (blend). After eating the test meal, measurements of postprandial glucose were performed, and breath samples for gastric emptying evaluation using (1-13C)-labeled sodium acetate breath test were collected for 120 min. Consumption of rice with liquid (both "rice + tea" and "blend") induced significantly higher postprandial glycemic responses, in addition to significantly higher gastric emptying rates, than eating rice only. There were significant positive correlations between gastric emptying rate and postprandial glucose response. Our findings demonstrated that compared with eating rice only, drinking liquid when eating rice causes an increase in postprandial blood glucose levels due to accelerated gastric emptying.

Blood glucose response to kratom tea (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.)

Background: Kratoms are traditionally used in Borneo to manage diabetes by chewing, smoking, or brewing the leaves as tea. Studying its effects on blood glucose is crucial for validating its therapeutic potential. Objective: This study evaluated the blood glucose response to kratom tea from West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods: This evaluation was executed using an experimental design with ten subjects, which included pure standard glucose in week 1 and standard glucose mixed with 1% kratom tea in week 2, with a 1-week wash-out period. Results: Postprandial blood glucose levels were measured over 2 hours. Results showed a higher increase in blood glucose levels in the pure glucose group (AUC: 579.98±27.15 mm²) compared to the kratom tea group (AUC: 493.30±24.27 mm²), with significant differences (p=0.01). Conclusion: Kratom tea significantly inhibited the increase in blood glucose level after meals.

EVALUATION IN VIVO DE LINDICE GLYCEMIQUE DES COSSETTES DIGNAME DE LA VARIETE KOKORO (ESPECE DIOSCOREA CAYENENSIS-ROTUNDATA) CULTIVEE AU BENIN

Consumption of starchy foods, such as yam, is a major risk factor for an increased glycemic index. However, the impact of different processing treatments, such as processing into chips, on the glycemic index of yam remains poorly studied. The objective of this study was to in vivo evaluate of the glycemic index of yam chips from the kokoro variety (species Dioscoreacayenensis-rotundata) grown in Benin. In vivo tests were carried out on Wistar rats fed successively with processed kokoro yam flour (obtained from yam chips using the simple method, soaking method, and with the addition of additives) and unprocessed (fresh yam). Blood glucose levels and the glycemic index were determined according to standard methods. The results showed that fresh yam and yam chip flour produced with the soaking method presented high (1.2 g/L) and lower (1 g/L) postprandial glucose levels, respectively. Fresh yam had the highest area under the curve (0.89 ± 0.25 g/L. min), while yam chip flour produced with the soaking method had the lowest area under the curve (0.64 ± 0.42 g/Lxmin). After calculating the glycemic index, yam chips had glycemic indices (40.25 ± 2.33% and 45.28 ± 3.38%) lower than that of fresh yam (55.97 ± 2.46%). These results demonstrate that transforming yam into chips significantly reduces the glycemic index, allowing yam chips to be classified among foods with a low glycemic index.

Oral histidine affects gut microbiota and MAIT cells improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients

ABSTRACT Amino acids, metabolized by host cells as well as commensal gut bacteria, have signaling effects on host metabolism. Oral supplementation of the essential amino acid histidine has been shown to exert metabolic benefits. To investigate whether dietary histidine aids glycemic control, we performed a case-controlled parallel clinical intervention study in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy controls. Participants received oral histidine for seven weeks. After 2 weeks of histidine supplementation, the microbiome was depleted by antibiotics to determine the microbial contribution to histidine metabolism. We assessed glycemic control, immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononucelar cells (PBMC), DNA methylation of PBMCs and fecal gut microbiota composition. Histidine improves several markers of glycemic control, including postprandial glucose levels with a concordant increase in the proportion of MAIT cells after two weeks of histidine supplementation. The increase in MAIT cells was associated with changes in gut microbial pathways such as riboflavin biosynthesis and epigenetic changes in the amino acid transporter SLC7A5. Associations between the microbiome and MAIT cells were replicated in the MetaCardis cohort. We propose a conceptual framework for how oral histidine may affect MAIT cells via altered gut microbiota composition and SLC7A5 expression in MAIT cells directly and thereby influencing glycemic control. Future studies should focus on the role of flavin biosynthesis intermediates and SLC7A5 modulation in MAIT cells to modulate glycemic control.

The Influence of Rice Types and Boiling Time on Glycemic Index: An In Vivo Evaluation Using the ISO 2010 Method

Effective blood glucose management is essential for individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly when dietary adjustments involve staple foods like rice. As a primary carbohydrate worldwide, rice significantly influences the glycemic index (GI) based on its type and cooking method. This study investigated the impact of rice type and boiling duration on the GI in healthy adults using an in vivo approach aligned with ISO 2010 standards. The glycemic response to four rice types (white round-grain, parboiled medium-grain, white long-grain, and whole-grain long-grain) was measured through postprandial blood glucose levels under both standard and extended boiling conditions to assess their implications for dietary glycemic control. Ten healthy participants (mean age 25 years, body mass index (BMI) 23.0 ± 1.6 kg/m2) consumed rice samples containing 50 g of available carbohydrates, prepared under controlled boiling conditions. Postprandial glycemic response was measured at regular intervals over 2 h following ingestion, with glucose solution as a reference food. The GI was calculated based on the incremental area under the glycemic response curve for each rice sample. Extended boiling significantly increased the GI across all rice types. White round-grain rice exhibited the highest relative increase (+15.8%) in the GI, while whole-grain long-grain rice, despite showing a greater percentage increase (+25.4%), maintained the lowest overall GI due to its high amylose and fiber content. Rice types with higher amylopectin content demonstrated faster glycemic responses and higher GI compared to high-amylose types. This study highlights rice type and cooking time as critical factors influencing postprandial glycemic response. Shorter boiling durations may benefit individuals requiring strict glycemic control, particularly those with diabetes, underscoring the importance of personalized dietary guidance for managing glycemic outcomes effectively.

Jeju Citrus (Citrus unshiu) Leaf Extract and Hesperidin Inhibit Small Intestinal α-Glucosidase Activities In Vitro and Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Animal Model.

Citrus fruits are widely distributed in East Asia, and tea made from citrus peels has demonstrated health benefits, such as a reduction in fever, inflammation, and high blood pressure. However, citrus leaves have not been evaluated extensively for their possible health benefits. In this study, the α-glucosidase-inhibitory activity of Jeju citrus hot-water (CW) and ethyl alcohol (CE) extracts, along with hesperidin (HP) (a bioactive compound in citrus leaf extracts), was investigated, and furthermore, their effect on postprandial blood glucose reduction in an animal model was determined. The hesperidin contents of CW and CE were 15.80 ± 0.18 and 39.17 ± 0.07 mg/g-extract, respectively. Hesperidin inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50, 4.39), sucrase (0.50), and CE (2.62) and demonstrated higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity when compared to CW (4.99 mg/mL). When using an SD rat model, during sucrose and starch loading tests with CE (p < 0.01) and HP (p < 0.01), a significant postprandial blood glucose reduction effect was observed when compared to the control. The maximum blood glucose levels (Cmax) of the CE administration group decreased by about 15% (from 229.3 ± 14.5 to 194.0 ± 7.4, p < 0.01) and 11% (from 225.1 ± 13.8 to 201.1 ± 7.2 hr·mg/dL, p < 0.05) in the sucrose and starch loading tests, respectively. Our findings suggest that citrus leaf extracts standardized to hesperidin may reduce postprandial blood glucose levels through the observed inhibitory effect against sucrase, which results in delayed carbohydrate absorption. Our findings provide a biochemical rationale for further evaluating the benefits of citrus leaves.

Postprandial Glucose Response in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Possible Antioxidant Properties of a Plant-Based Snack Bar.

Daily, more and more people consume snack bars that may have an impact on blood glucose levels. The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effects of a common snack and a plant-based snack bar (PB) that was developed at the University of Thessaly as a functional diabetic snack on blood glucose and insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adults with T2DM (n = 10) treated with oral medications were studied in a randomized, crossover clinical trial. On each trial day, postprandial glucose and insulin levels were measured at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, and a morning snack containing 25 g of carbohydrate was consumed. The procedure was carried out on 2 days, with one of the test meals being consumed on each day. Consumption of a PB snack bar resulted in a smaller and steeper increase in postprandial glucose and insulin levels compared with the usual snack, and there were significant differences 60 and 90 min after consumption of the two tested snacks. The PB snack bar is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can therefore be suggested as a nutritious and convenient snack for patients with T2DM. In addition, the extract of the snack bar was tested for its bioactivity in human cell cultures.