Moreover , subgroup analyses suggested that the effects of glycemic control were significantly influenced by the sex of the subjects and the type and the method of intake of ITF .
Conclusions Our analyses confirmed that these four main glycemic indicators were significantly reduced by ITF supplementation , particularly in the prediabetes and T2DM population .
Evidence supports that reasonable administration of ITF supplementation may have potential clinical value as an adjuvant therapy for prediabetes and T2DM management .
Background Currently , many clinical trials have shown that inulin-type fructans ( ITF ) supplementation is associated with glycemic control ; nevertheless , the results are inconclusive .
The aim of this meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials was to assess the effects of ITF supplementation on glycemic control .
A randomized controlled trial: the effect of inulin on weight management and ectopic fat in subjects with prediabetes
Background Fat infiltration of the liver , muscle and pancreas is associated with insulin resistance and risk of diabetes . Weight loss reduces ectopic fat deposition and risk of diabetes , but is difficult to sustain to due to compensatory increases in appetite . Fermentable carbohydrates have been shown to decrease appetite and food intake , and promote weight loss in overweight subjects . In animal studies , fermentable carbohydrate reduces ectopic fat independent of weight loss . We aim ed to investigate the effect of the fermentable carbohydrate inulin on weight maintenance , appetite and ectopic fat in subjects with prediabetes . Methods Forty-four subjects with prediabetes were r and omized to 18 weeks ’ inulin or cellulose supplementation .  During weeks 1–9 ( weight loss phase ) all subjects had four visits with a dietitian to guide them towards a 5 % weight loss . During weeks 10–18 ( weight maintenance phase ) subjects continued taking their assigned supplementation and were asked to maintain the weight they had lost but were offered no further support . All subjects attended study sessions at baseline , 9 and 18 weeks for measurement of weight ; assessment of adipose tissue and ectopic fat content by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy ; glucose , insulin and GLP-1 levels following a meal tolerance test ; and appetite by ad libitum meal test and visual analogue scales . Results Both groups lost approximately 5 % of their body weight by week nine ( −5.3 ± 0.1 % vs −4.3 ± 0.4 % , p = 0.13 , but the inulin group lost significantly more weight between 9 and 18 weeks ( −2.3 ± 0.5 % vs −0.6 ± 0.4 % , p = 0.012 ) . Subjects taking inulin had lower hepatic ( p = 0.02 ) and soleus muscle ( p < 0.05 ) fat content at 18 weeks compared to control even after controlling for weight loss and consumed less at the ad libitum meal test ( p = 0.027 ) . Fasting glucose significantly decreased at week nine only ( p = 0.005 ) , insulin concentrations did not change , and there was a significant increase in GLP-1 in the cellulose group at 9 and 18 weeks ( p < 0.03 , p < 0.00001 ) . Conclusion Inulin may have a two-pronged effect on the risk of diabetes by 1 ) promoting weight loss 2 ) reducing intrahepatocellular and intramyocellular lipid in people with prediabetes independent of weight loss . Trial registration Clinical trial number : NCT01841073
Moreover , subgroup analyses suggested that the effects of glycemic control were significantly influenced by the sex of the subjects and the type and the method of intake of ITF .
Conclusions Our analyses confirmed that these four main glycemic indicators were significantly reduced by ITF supplementation , particularly in the prediabetes and T2DM population .
Evidence supports that reasonable administration of ITF supplementation may have potential clinical value as an adjuvant therapy for prediabetes and T2DM management .
Background Currently , many clinical trials have shown that inulin-type fructans ( ITF ) supplementation is associated with glycemic control ; nevertheless , the results are inconclusive .
The aim of this meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials was to assess the effects of ITF supplementation on glycemic control .