Yeast β-glucan supplementation lowers insulin resistance without altering microbiota composition compared to placebo in subjects with Type II diabetes: a phase I exploratory study

Peter Cronin, Cian Hurley, Andrew Ryan, María Zamora-Úbeda, Ashokkumar Govindan, Catherine Stanton, Ger P. Lane, Susan A. Joyce, Paul W. O'toole, Eibhlís M. O'Connor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The increased global prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with consumption of low fibre "Western diets". Characteristic metabolic parameters of these individuals include insulin resistance, high fasting and postprandial glucose, as well as low-grade systemic inflammation. Gut microbiota composition is altered significantly in these cohorts suggesting a causative link between diet, microbiota and disease. Dietary fibre consumption has been shown to alleviate these changes and improve glucose parameters in individuals with metabolic disease. We previously reported that yeast β-glucan (yeast beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan; Wellmune) supplementation ameliorated hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in a murine model. Here we conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled, two-armed dietary fibre phase I exploratory intervention study in patients with T2DM. The primary outcome measure was alteration to microbiota composition while the secondary outcome measures included markers of glycaemic control, inflammation as well as metabolomics. Patients were supplemented with 2.5g/day of maltodextrin (placebo) or yeast β-1,3/1,6-D-glucan (treatment). Yeast β-glucan (Wellmune) lowered insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to the placebo maltodextrin after 8 weeks of consumption. TNFα was significantly lower after 4 weeks of β-glucan supplementation. Significantly higher faecal concentrations of several bile acids were detected in the treatment group when compared to the placebo after 8 weeks. These included tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) which was previously shown to improve glucose control and lower insulin resistance. Interestingly, the hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effect of yeast β-glucan was independent of any changes in faecal microbiota composition or short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Our findings highlight the potential of yeast β-glucan to lower insulin resistance in patients with T2DM.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBritish Journal of Nutrition
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • bile acids
  • glucose control
  • Type II diabetes mellitus
  • yeast β-glucan

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