Placebo‐controlled trial of guar in poorly controlled Type II diabetes

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Abstract
This study assessed the acceptability and efficacy of guar mini‐tablets in poorly controlled Type II diabetes. Thirty patients were allocated in a random and single‐blind manner to two months of treatment with placebo or guar, 5 gms three times daily. No patient found guar unpalatable or difficult to take. Gastrointestinal side effects were more frequent in the guar group and were minor and temporary apart from in two patients who had to withdraw from the trial. Fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1) were measured and glycosuria assessed semi‐quantitatively by urine testing strips. No significant difference was found between guar and placebo groups, although there was a trend for patients treated with diet alone to improve glycaemic control better than patients taking oral hypoglycaemic drugs in addition. The evidence of this and other trials is discussed.