Effect of a nutritional bar on serum glucose levels

Abstract

Introduction: Type two diabetes is a worldwide health problem, in Mexico 10.6% of the population has diabetes and in the last five years it has been the second cause of death in the state of Aguascalientes.  Oatmeal and wheat bran are a low-glycemic index fiber source. Cranberries and almonds may have a beneficial effect on serum glucose levels. Objective: To evaluate the variation of serum glucose levels after the consumption of a nutritional bar. Material and methods: 32 participants were studied, they were divided into two groups, one group consumed an oatmeal bar and the other one a wheat bran bar, fasting and postprandial (two hours) blood glucose levels were evaluated. Results: The average postprandial glucose of the group that consumed the wheat bran bar (90.43 mg / dL ± 7.08 mg / dL) was lower than the one presented by the group that consumed the oatmeal bar (95.37 mg / dL ± 9.09 mg / dL), without finding significant differences between bars (t = 1.713, p = 0.097). Conclusion: The consumption of a nutritional bar (oatmeal or wheat bran) doesn´t cause a significant postprandial increase in serum glucose. The consumption of this nutritional bars can be recommended in people with diabetes according with these results.