Dose–Response Characteristics of High-Viscosity Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in Subjects at Risk for the Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background:

Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is a modified cellulose fiber that creates a viscous solution in the gastrointestinal tract. The present study examined the dose–response characteristics of high-viscosity (HV)-HPMC consumption on postprandial glucose and insulin levels in men and women at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

Subjects were a subset of participants in two trials with elevated peak postprandial glucose [≥7.8 mmol/L (≥140 mg/dL)] and body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m². Subjects (n = 39) consumed breakfast meals containing 75 g of carbohydrate, each of which contained 1, 2, 4, or 8 g of HV-HPMC or a cellulose control in a randomized, double-blind manner. Each subject completed tests with control and two HV-HPMC doses.

Results:

Peak glucose concentration was lower than control (all P < 0.01) following 2 g (10%), 4 g (18%), and 8 g (20%) of HV-HPMC. Peak insulin was also reduced (P < 0.01) following 2 g (32%), 4 g (35%), and 8 g (46%) of HV-HPMC doses versus control. Incremental areas for glucose from 0 to 120 min were reduced by 8–40% versus control but only reached significance for the 4-g and 8-g conditions, whereas incremental areas under the insulin curves were reduced by 14–53% (P < 0.01 for 2, 4, and 8 g of HV-HPMC).

Conclusions:

Among subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 1.0–8.0 g of HV-HPMC blunted postprandial glucose and insulin responses in a dose-dependent manner. Additional research is warranted to assess whether chronic consumption might retard the development or progression of glucose intolerance.