Barley β-Glucan for Glucose Control
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how barley β-glucan, a type of soluble fiber, can help control blood sugar levels after meals. Participants will eat waffles with different amounts of barley β-glucan to observe its effects on blood sugar and insulin responses. The study will also examine how the waffles influence feelings of fullness and any digestive effects. Ideal participants are generally healthy, regularly eat three meals a day, and do not have diabetes or other specific health issues. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding dietary impacts on health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs, herbal, or nutritional supplements that affect blood sugar levels, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that beta-glucans from barley are usually easy to digest. Studies have found that these fibers can help reduce blood sugar spikes after eating, aiding those who need to manage their blood sugar levels post-meal. Importantly, using beta-glucans for up to 8-12 weeks has not been linked to any side effects, suggesting they are likely safe for most people when used short-term. However, consulting a healthcare professional is always wise before adding anything new to the diet, especially for individuals with existing health issues.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about barley β-glucan for glucose control because it offers a natural, dietary approach to managing blood sugar levels, unlike traditional medications like metformin or insulin injections. Barley β-glucan is a type of soluble fiber that can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels after meals. This treatment is unique because it can be easily incorporated into daily meals, such as breakfast waffles, providing a simple and palatable option for those seeking to improve their glucose control without relying solely on pharmaceuticals.
What evidence suggests that barley β-glucan could be effective for glucose control?
Research has shown that barley β-glucan can help lower blood sugar levels after meals. One study found that mixing white rice with barley high in β-glucan improved blood sugar levels post-meal. Another study demonstrated that barley savigh helped control blood sugar in women at risk of diabetes. Additionally, consuming 4 grams of β-glucan is known to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol after meals. This trial will test different doses of barley β-glucan—low, medium, and high—to evaluate their effectiveness in managing blood sugar spikes after eating. These findings suggest that barley β-glucan might be useful in managing post-meal blood sugar spikes.25678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Heather Blewett, PhD
Principal Investigator
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for generally healthy men and women aged 18-40 with a BMI of 18.5-30 who regularly eat three meals a day. Participants must be willing to give informed consent and follow the study's requirements.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants attend 5 clinic visits in a fasted state to consume waffles with varying doses of barley β-glucan and undergo blood tests and questionnaires
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Barley β-glucan
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
St. Boniface Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Collaborator