Effect of a Plant-based Hydrolysates Daily Consumption on the HbA1c of Pre-diabetic Subjects

This study evaluates the effect in HbA1c levels of a once daily administration of plant-based hydrolysates in pre-diabetic, but otherwise healthy volunteers. Among the 63 subjects enrolled, 21 will receive a plant-based hydrolysates from one cereal, 21 will receive a plant-based hydrolysates from another cereal and 21 will receive a placebo.

Pre-clinical data on human skeletal muscle cells and mouse Type 2 diabetes model have shown a blood glucose lowering effect of the plant-based hydrolysates.

The first objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of a once daily administration of 2 different cereal protein hydrolysates versus placebo, when consumed over a 12-week period, at reducing the preferred outcome measure identified by the European Food Safety Authority i.e. glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in pre-diabetic volunteers who are otherwise healthy subjects.

The second objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of a fixed daily administration of 2 different cereal protein hydrolysates versus placebo, when consumed over a 12-week period on further supportive measures like Post-prandial glucose/insulin levels, fructosamine level, fasting plasma glucose level, vital signs and blood pressure, weight and BMI.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide written informed consent,
* Be aged between 18 and 75 years, inclusive,
* Have a HbA1c of \> 5.7% and \< 6.4% (38.8mmol/mol- 47mmol/mol),
* Be a non-smoker or an ex-smoker (10 years or more),
* Have a body mass index (BMI) 20 - 35 kg/m²,
* Have a stable bodyweight (+/- 5%) in the last 3 months (as self-reported by the subject),
* Be willing to maintain existing dietary habits and physical activity levels throughout the trial period,
* Be able to communicate well with the Investigator, to understand and comply with the requirements of the study, and be judged suitable for the study in the opinion of the Investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed diabetes with a HbA1c \>6.4% (47mmol/mol)
* Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 20 (underweight) or greater than 35 (morbidly obese)
* Have a significant acute or chronic coexisting illness such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal disorder, endocrinological disorder, immunological disorder, metabolic disease or any condition which contraindicates, in the investigators judgement, entry to the study
* Consumption of more than the recommended alcohol guidelines i.e. \>21 alcohol units/week for males and \>14 units/week for females
* Currently or recently (within 3 months of study entry) taking any medication, which in the opinion of the investigator, could interfere with the outcome of the study, including insulin, acetylsalicylic acid, thyroxine etc.
* If subjects are taking hypolipidemic agents and/or beta-blockers
* Known allergy to any of the components of the test product
* History of drug or alcohol abuse
* Present or recent use (within 3 months of pre-screening) of dietary supplements that may affect the level of blood glucose, e.g. chromium, dietary fibres and non-digestible carbohydrates e.g. fructo-oligosaccharides chicory inulin, mulberry leaf extract, e.t.c (Note: There are many dietary supplements, both approved and unapproved, marketed for the regulation of blood glucose. The Principal Investigator will discuss any uncertain cases directly with the study sponsor prior to inclusion of any such subjects)
* Low hemoglobin or hematocrit (i.e., lower than normal ranges specified and in-use at the local laboratory designated for this study),
* Females are pregnant, lactating or wish to become pregnant during the study.
* Participation in a clinical trial with an investigational product within 90 days before pre-screening, or plans to participate in another study during the study period,
* Subject has a history of non-compliance