Beta-glucans in the treatment of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks

Review

(3726) Views  (837) Full article downloads

Authors: Jiezhong Chen, Kenneth Raymond

Published Date October 2008 Volume 2008:4(6) Pages 1265 - 1272

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S3803

Jiezhong Chen^1,3, Kenneth Raymond²

¹John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia; ²School of Pharmacy and Applied Science, Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, LaTrobe University, Bendigo, Vic, Australia; ³Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood glucose level with typical manifestations of thirst, polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. It is caused by defects in insulin-mediated signal pathways, resulting in decreased glucose transportation from blood into muscle and fat cells. The major risk is vascular injury leading to heart disease, which is accelerated by increased lipid levels and hypertension. Management of diabetes includes: control of blood glucose level and lipids; and reduction of hypertension. Dietary intake of beta-glucans has been shown to reduce all these risk factors to benefit the treatment of diabetes and associated complications. In addition, beta-glucans also promote wound healing and alleviate ischemic heart injury. However, the mechanisms behind the effect of beta-glucans on diabetes and associated complications need to be further studied using pure beta-glucan.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, prevalence, pathogenesis

Readers of this article also read: