Foxtail Millet Based Dietary Intervention for Postprandial Glycemic Management Among Obese Diabetic Patients

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are rapidly increasing public health concerns in Pakistan and are strongly associated with unhealthy dietary habits, excess body weight, and sedentary lifestyles. Functional foods with low glycemic properties have gained considerable attention as supportive dietary approaches for improving glycemic control and reducing diabetes-related complications. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) is a nutrient-dense cereal grain rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, essential minerals, antioxidants, and slowly digestible carbohydrates, making it a promising candidate for glycemic management.

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of foxtail millet muffin supplementation on postprandial glycemic response and metabolic health among 102 obese diabetic patients aged 30-60 years. Participants were randomly allocated into three intervention groups for a period of 10 weeks. Group T₀ received a 50 g wheat muffin with their usual diet, Group T₁ received a 50 g foxtail millet muffin once daily, while Group T₂ received a 50 g foxtail millet muffin twice daily in combination with a low glycemic index dietary plan. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, and liver function parameters. The nutritional composition and sensory characteristics of the muffins were also evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

i. Inclusion Criteria

• People between 30 to 60 years old
• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30.0 kg/m²
• Fasting blood glucose levels ≥ 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL)
• Individuals having HbA1c ≥ 6.5%
• Elevated Lipid Profile: TC > 200 mg/dL, TG > 150 mg/dL, LDL-C > 100 mg/dL, HDL-C < 40 mg/dL (men) / < 50 mg/dL (women)
• Elevated Liver Function Tests: ALT > 56 U/L, AST > 40 U/L, ALP > 147 U/L, Total Bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL, Albumin < 3.5 g/dL ii. Exclusion Criteria
• Individuals who have a known allergy or have experienced any adverse reaction to foxtail millet or any of the ingredients used in the muffins will not be included in the study
• Patients who are taking medications known to significantly alter glucose metabolism or gastrointestinal absorption
• Individuals who have recently had gastric surgery or who have surgery planned during the research period
• Presence of other severe chronic diseases (e.g., severe renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease, active cancer)
• Nursing or pregnant females