Sensitivity to insulin can be determined by some of its known biological effects. For example, insulin action on skeletal muscle glucose uptake, hepatic glucose output, adipose tissue lipolysis or the compound action of insulin on whole body glucose metabolism can be determined.
In general, insulins sensitivity and insulin responsiveness are used to refer to insulin action on glucose metabolism.
Insoluble fiber includes cellulose, lignin and other pectins and cellulose. Wheat bran is a good source insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It makes the cell walls of plants rigid, structuring wheat as a stalk instead of a puddle.
Insoluble fiber absorbs water and expands in volume.
Insoluble fibers are mainly non-viscous and have limited influence on postprandial glucose content. More importantly insoluble fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce serum insulin concentration to reduce the risk of diabetes.
German researchers found that people consumed high insoluble fiber diets improves insulin sensitivity by 8%. In a randomized control single blind crossover study, obese or overweight subjects with normal glucose metabolism were fed with cereal for three days. After that their whole body insulin sensitivity was significantly improved (Marlett, 2002).
Insoluble fiber improves insulin sensitivity
