Guar may help improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients with diabetes. In this study 20 participants (n=12 non-insulin-treated and 8 insulin-treated) received 10 g/d granulated guar for 2 months. After one month, average glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c%) were significantly reduced by 0.6% and by 1% after 2 months. After guar administration was stopped, HbA1c% rose to its pre-guar level of 11.1%. (2)
Guar gum was shown to improve blood sugar levels, need for insulin, and levels of total cholesterol in patients with type 1 diabetes. Guar gum or placebo was administered to patients 4 times/day for 4 weeks. After guar administration, following breakfast and lunch, blood sugar levels and insulin needs were significantly reduced compared to placebo. Guar was also associated with a reduction in total cholesterol of 21%. (3)