Prior short-term consumption of resistant starch enhances postprandial insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects.
Robertson, M. D. 1; Currie, J. M. 1; Morgan, L. M. 3; Jewell, D. P. 2; Frayn, K. N. 1
[Miscellaneous] Diabetologia. 46(5):659-665, May 2003.

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Aims/hypothesis. Diets rich in insoluble-fibre are linked to a reduced risk of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease; however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether acute changes in the insoluble-fibre (resistant starch) content of the diet would have effects on postprandial carbohydrate and lipid handling.

Methods. Ten healthy subjects consumed two identical, low-residue diets on separate occasions for 24 h (33% fat; <2 g dietary fibre). Of the diets one was supplemented with 60 g resistant starch (Novelose 260). On the following morning a fibre-free meal tolerance test (MTT) was carried out (59 g carbohydrate; 21 g fat; 2.1 kJ) and postprandial insulin sensitivity (SIORAL) assessed using a minimal model approach.

Results. Prior resistant starch consumption led to lower postprandial plasma glucose (p=0.037) and insulin (p=0.038) with a higher insulin sensitivity (44 /-7.5 vs 26 /-3.5x10-4 dl kg-1 min-1 per [mu]Uml-1; p=0.028) and C-peptide-to-insulin molar ratio (18.7 /-6.5 vs 9.7 /-0.69; p=0.017). There was no effect of resistant starch consumption on plasma triacylglycerol although non-esterified fatty acid and 3-hydroxybutyrate levels were suppressed 5 h after the meal tolerance test.

Conclusion. Prior acute consumption of a high-dose of resistant starch enhanced carbohydrate handling in the postprandial period the following day potentially due to the increased rate of colonic fermentation. [Diabetologia (2003) 46:659-665]

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