The effect of sugarcane extract supplementation on glycemic control in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes

Abstract Aims Although Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) can be managed by insulin injections and dietary regulation, it is unclear whether dietary intervention following the onset of T1D can reverse its pathology. This study aimed to explore the effects of Fibre‐N, a sucrose removed sugarcane extract, on glycemic control, insulin requirements, pancreatic structure and function, as well as local and systemic inflammation. Materials and methods 8‐week‐old male eNOS‐/‐ mice were injected with Streptozotocin (STZ) for 5 consecutive days to induce T1D, followed by either standard chow (D), Fibre‐N (D+N) or a control fibre, Maltodextrin (D+M) for 24 weeks. Results The results showed that T1D led to significant reductions in body and pancreatic weight compared to healthy animals. This was associated with hyperglycemia, significant loss in islet and β‐cell numberFibre‐N reduced blood glucose level and the insulin requirements in T1D mice, while improving pancreatic morphology, insulin expression and blood C‐peptide levels. On the other hand, Maltodextrin showed no significant effects. T1D was also associated with increased expression of oxidative stress, fibrotic and inflammatory markers in the pancreas, which was partially reversed by Fibre‐N. In addition, the diet also suppressed multiple inflammatory markers in the blood as well as improving the gut microbiota balance. Conclusion This supports the role of Fibre‐N in improving glucose control in mice with T1D via the gut‐pancreas axis.