Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

Psyllium, guar gum and insulin levels:

Research into the inclusion of ispaghula husk (also known as psyllium or brand name Metamucil) and guar gum in the diet of 10 healthy women aged 30-48 years old concluded that postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations (sugar and insulin levels after a meal) were reduced. After an overnight fast participants took fiber in the morning. Average insulin levels were lowered from 30 to 90 minutes after administration of both fibers. (49)

Psyllium and diabetes:

Psyllium, a soluble fiber used as laxative also known as ispaghula husk or brand Metamucil, was studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled study for its effect on fat and sugar levels in 49 patients with type 2 diabetes.  Participants were given their normal anti-diabetic drugs plus they were randomized to receive either 5.1g psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) twice per day (a half hour before breakfast and dinner) or placebo. At the end of the study, participants in the psyllium group showed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels and average level of blood sugar as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Both of these results suggest an improvement in blood sugar control. Additionally, HDL cholesterol was reported to increase significantly with psyllium. (50)