Fiber-enriched biscuit enhances insulin secretion, modulates β-cell function, improves insulin sensitivity, and attenuates hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats

The nutritional properties of developed fiber-enriched biscuits and its antidiabetic potentials were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fiber-enriched biscuit was developed from selected fruits. Its nutritional and antinutrient properties were investigated. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan and the formulated biscuit was fed to the treatment group. The rats were monitored daily for food intake, and body weight. Their blood glucose levels were monitored on weekly basis. They were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after a 2-week treatment. Blood serum and hepatic tissues were analyzed to evaluate serum insulin level, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and lipid profile. Histological study was carried out on pancreatic tissues. No significant difference was observed in diet intake among the experimental groups. However, all groups except the treated had significant (. p<. 0.05) weight lost. Feeding on the formulated biscuits led to a significant reduction of blood glucose level, total cholesterol and LDL compared to the diabetic group. It also increased serum insulin level, improved β-cell function and reduced insulin resistance as well as restoration of pancreatic β cells. Feeding on fiber-enriched biscuit showed potent antidiabetic property as evident by the reduced blood glucose, increased serum insulin, and increased high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels.