Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Health Studies

Committee Chair

Tracy Bruen

Committee Member

Julia Noel

Committee Member

Sara Foley

Abstract

The American diet, marked by high refined carbohydrate intake and low dietary fiber, is closely linked to the rising prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and associated inflammatory diseases. This review highlights the role of dietary fiber in preventing and managing inflammation from T2D. A daily intake of over 25 g for women and 38 g for men can reduce T2D risk by 20-30%. Specifically, high cereal fibers correlate with a 33% reduction in risk, while soluble fibers from fruits and vegetables mitigate postprandial glucose spikes, enhancing insulin sensitivity. Additionally, a high-fiber diet can reverse insulin resistance; a study revealed that 84% of participants maintained healthy glucose levels after three days on a plant-based, high-fiber regimen, often reducing or eliminating insulin use. Moreover, fiber influences gut microbiota composition and enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which regulate glucose homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Elevated butyrate levels have been shown to lower inflammatory markers and improve β-cell function. In contrast, diets high in animal protein, which often replace fiber-rich carbohydrates, increase T2D risk. Thus, promoting dietary fiber through unprocessed whole foods may significantly prevent T2D and its inflammatory consequences. This scoping review underscores the potential of dietary interventions to improve metabolic health and reduce T2D prevalence, advocating for a shift toward high-fiber diets as a cornerstone of T2D prevention and management.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

Download

Share

COinS