Barley Extract May Help to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Drinking a barley extract-enriched beverage may help to reduce blood sugar spikes after a meal and improve insulin sensitivity, say researchers. Fifty “generally healthy” people were recruited to take part in the study. In total, 44 completed the study. None had diabetes at the start of the study. Results showed that consuming 3 grams a day of barley β-glucan (BBG) extract was associated with a 10.2% reduction in blood glucose levels, compared with a 7.5% increase in those drinking a placebo. Furthermore, consuming 6 grams per day of BBG for 12 weeks was associated with a 19% decrease in measures of insulin resistance, compared with a 42% increase in those in the placebo group.  The authors concluded: “This study suggests BBG may slow the deterioration of  insulin sensitivity  for  individuals at increased risk for diabetes mellitus.”