Effects of Native Banana Starch Supplementation on Body Weight and Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Type 2 Diabetics

Few fiber supplements have been studied for physiological effectiveness.The effects of native banana starch (NBS) and soy milk (control) on body weight and insulin sensitivity in obese type 2 diabetics were compared using a blind within-subject crossover design.Subjects undertook two phases of 4-week supplementation either with NBS or soy milk.Patients on NBS lost more body weight than when they were on control treatment.Plasma insulin and HOMA-I were reduced after NBS consumption, compared with baseline levels, but not significantly when compared to the control treatment.Results support the use of NBS as part of dietary fiber supplementation.