Effects of Xylitol on Blood Glucose, Glucose Tolerance, Serum Insulin and Lipid Profile in a Type 2 Diabetes Model of Rats

Abstract

Background/Aims: The present study was conducted to examine the antidiabetic effects of xylitol in a type 2 diabetes rat model. Methods: Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DBC) and xylitol (XYL). Diabetes was induced only in the DBC and XYL animal groups by feeding them a 10% fructose solution for 2 weeks followed by an injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight). One week after the streptozotocin injection, the animals with a nonfasting blood glucose level of >300 mg/dl were considered to be diabetic. The XYL group was fed further with a 10% xylitol solution, whereas the NC and DBC groups were supplied with normal drinking water. Results: After 5 weeks of intervention, food and fluid intake, body weight, blood glucose, serum fructosamine and most of the serum lipids were significantly decreased, and serum insulin concentration and glucose tolerance ability was significantly increased in the XYL group compared to the DBC group. Liver weight, liver glycogen and serum triglycerides were not influenced by feeding with xylitol. Conclusion: The data of this study suggest that xylitol can be used not only as a sugar substitute but also as a supplement to antidiabetic food and other food products.

Effects of xylitol on carbohydrate digesting enzymes activity, intestinal glucose absorption and muscle glucose uptake: a multi-mode study

“…9 The present study was conducted to investigate possible mechanisms behind the anti-diabetic effects of xylitol using several in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. The lower caloric value (2.4 kcal vs. 4.0 kcal g −1 ), insulinemic response, and glycemic index (13 vs. 65) but similar sweetness compared to sucrose has made it more popular to people, especially diabetics.…”

“…9 It has also been reported that faster intestinal transit and delayed gastric emptying might be the cause of the slower intestinal nutrient absorption and the reduced food intake. 9 It has also been reported that faster intestinal transit and delayed gastric emptying might be the cause of the slower intestinal nutrient absorption and the reduced food intake.…”

“…8 In a recent study, Islam 6 reported that 3 weeks supplementation of 10% dietary xylitol significantly decreased non-fasting blood glucose (NFBG) and serum fructosamine levels; increased the serum insulin levels; and improved the glucose tolerance ability compared to 10% sucrose in non-diabetic rats. 9 On the other hand, Amo et al 8 reported that 8-week supplementation of 1 or 2 g of xylitol per 100 kcal diet significantly decreased visceral fat mass and plasma lipid concentration in high fat diet-fed rats. 9 On the other hand, Amo et al 8 reported that 8-week supplementation of 1 or 2 g of xylitol per 100 kcal diet significantly decreased visceral fat mass and plasma lipid concentration in high fat diet-fed rats.…”

Study on the effects of varying concentrations of xylitol on the weight, and blood glucose, and cholesterol levels of Mus musculus L. (ICR mice)

“…[19] This effect is due to the insulin-independent metabolism of xylitol that can be used to replace sugar on weight/weight basis. [22] This further shows that xylitol does, in fact, can be used as a supplement both in preventing unwanted effects in normal as well as diabetic populations.…”

“…[18] A study on Sprague-Dawley rats were done to determine the effects of xylitol on blood glucose and glucose tolerance. [19] It showed that after 5 weeks of feeding non-diabetic rats with sucrose, diabetic rats with sucrose, and diabetic rats with xylitol, the body weight and blood glucose significantly decreased, and the glucose tolerance ability of their bodies significantly increased in the group treated with xylitol compared to diabetic rats fed with sucrose. It showed that xylitol could be used as an anti-diabetic sugar substitute that can lower blood glucose levels.…”