The effects of guar gum on various parameters of glucose tolerance were studied in total gastrectomized and non-operated rats. The examined parameters included: (a) postprandial blood glucose response, (b) blood insulin response, (c) gastric emptying rate, and (d) glucose absorption rate. The animals were administered 250mg of glucose per 100g boby weight as 20% glucose solution, with or without guar gum dissolved at a 2% level.
After oral administration of glucose, the gastrectomized rats showed late hypoglycemia. Insulin secretion was also exaggerated, postprandial glucose level was significantly reduced, and hypoglycemia was retarded after the addition of guar gum to gastrectomized rats.
Addition of guar gum delayed the gastric emptying rate but did not affect the glucose absorption rate.
View full abstract