The Effects of Soluble Dietary Fiber Intervention on Gut Microbiota Diversity and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in Diabetic Patients

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Published: 2026-01-20
Keywords:
inulin, soluble fiber, gut bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, HbA1c, inflammation, type 2 diabetes

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Yuting Zhao
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, United Kingdom
Daniel R. Collins
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, United Kingdom
Hannah M. Nguyen
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL, United Kingdom

Abstract

This study explored how soluble fiber affects gut bacteria and blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Eighty participants were randomly divided into an inulin group (15 g/day) and a control group for 12 weeks. Gut bacterial diversity and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were tested using 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography. The inulin group showed a 28% rise in Shannon index and higher levels of Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium compared with the start of the study. Fecal butyrate and propionate increased by 49% and 35%, while HbA1c fell by 1.2 ± 0.3%. Blood C-reactive protein dropped by about 22%. These findings show that inulin may help lower blood sugar by increasing helpful gut bacteria and their fermentation products. The study supports the use of soluble fiber as a simple and safe way to aid blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

Article Details

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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): 2025 International Conference on Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Communication Systems (CSACS 2025)

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Articles

How to Cite

The Effects of Soluble Dietary Fiber Intervention on Gut Microbiota Diversity and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in Diabetic Patients. (2026). Journal of Science, Innovation & Social Impact, 1(2), 149-154. https://sagespress.com/index.php/JSISI/article/view/68

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