Effects of Dietary Fiber Interventions on Glycemic Control and Weight Management in Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

This systematic review explores the impact of dietary fiber interventions on glycemic control and weight management in individuals with diabetes or at risk for diabetes. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, identifying randomized controlled trials published in the last five years. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, evaluating various types of dietary fiber, including soluble, insoluble, viscous fiber, and resistant starch. The findings demonstrated significant improvements in key glycemic markers such as fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and postprandial glucose levels, as well as weight management outcomes such as reductions in body weight and waist circumference. Secondary benefits included improvements in lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and gut microbiota composition. The quality assessment revealed a low risk of bias in most studies, ensuring robust evidence. Despite these promising results, gaps in long-term effects and variations in intervention efficacy warrant further research. These findings emphasize the potential of dietary fiber as a practical and accessible intervention in diabetes management and prevention.

Keywords: diabetes; dietary fiber; fasting plasma glucose; glycemic control; gut microbiota; hba1c; randomized controlled trials; resistant starch; systematic review; weight management.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow diagram illustrating the study selection process

PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses