In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, researchers evaluated the effect of black tea drinks with inulin and dextrin (BTID) on postprandial glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty-five patients were enrolled, and 32 completed the study. Participants consumed either a placebo or BTID before undergoing a mixed meal tolerance test followed by a crossover of the intervention. BTID significantly lowered glycemic responses at multiple time points—30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours—compared to placebo.

Notably, over half of BTID-treated participants experienced minor postprandial glucose (PG) fluctuations (defined as <2.8 mmol/L), compared to just 28.1% of those receiving placebo. Binary logistic regression revealed that BTID reduced the risk of significant PG fluctuations by 65.5%. Additionally, BTID was associated with lower postprandial insulin secretion and smaller glucose area under the curve, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity and reduced burden on pancreatic β-cells. These findings support BTID as a potential dietary adjunct for glycemic control in T2DM.

Reference: Chen S, Peng D, Shan Y, et al. Black Tea drinks with inulin and dextrin reduced postprandial plasma glucose fluctuations in patients with type 2 diabetes: an acute, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover study. Nutr Diabetes. 2024;14(1):95. doi: 10.1038/s41387-024-00351-w.