Effect of Fiber-Rich Snacks on C-Reactive Protein and Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Background and aims: High levels of non-HDL and atherogenic cholesterol can induce inflammation, and as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study was to evaluate the effects of fiber-rich snacks on non-HDL cholesterol, atherogenic index, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM). Material and Methods: Twenty T2DM patients, were recruited from the Policlinic of Endocrine, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The subjects received daily 32g fiber-rich snacks made of Dioscorea esculenta, arrowroot, cassava and pumpkin for 4 weeks. Fasting non-HDL cholesterol, atherogenic index, CRP and HbA1c levels were measured before and after intervention. Paired t-test was used to evaluate the results. Results: The fiber-rich snack intervention in T2DM patients significantly reduced levels of non-HDL cholesterol and CRP levels (p<0.05), but the decreased the atherogenic index was not significant (p>0.05). The intervention also significantly reduced the CRP levels (p<0.05) but did not affect HbA1c levels. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference decreased significantly after consuming the snacks (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study showed fiber-rich snack has a positive effect in improving non-HDL cholesterol, atherogenic index and CRP levels but does not affect HbA1c levels in T2DM patients.