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Flaxseed Improves Glycemic Control

Daily consumption of flaxseed may decrease insulin resistance and help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, among pre-diabetic men and women.

An abundant source of soluble fiber and lignans, compounds which have been studied for beneficial effects for pre-and type-2 diabetics, flaxseed also contains alpha-linolenic acid, an important plant-based omega-3 fatty acid.  Andrea M. Hutchins, from the University of Colorado (Colorado, USA), and colleagues enrolled 25 overweight or obese men and postmenopausal women with pre-diabetes  in  a 12-week long study in which subjects consumed 0, 13, or 26 grams of ground flaxseed daily.  The team monitored glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), and normalized percent of alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA).   The team observed that 13 gm/day of flaxseed significantly decreased insulin resistance.  The study authors submit that: “Flaxseed intake decreased glucose and insulin and improved insulin sensitivity as part of a habitual diet in overweight or obese individuals with pre-diabetes.”

Andrea M. Hutchins, Blakely D. Brown, Stephen C. Cunnane, Stephanie G. Domitrovich, Earle R. Adams, Courtney E. Bobowiec. “Daily flaxseed consumption improves glycemic control in obese men and women with pre-diabetes: a randomized study.”  Nutrition Research, 1 April 2013.

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