Background: Correcting postprandial hyperglycemia forms an important part of the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A low-glycemic-index liquid formula designated as Inslow was prepared by replacing dextrin in the standard balanced formula (SBF) with 55.7% palatinose. Long-term administration of Inslow prevented fatty liver and improved insulin resistance in rats. Expressions of mRNA of factors involved in glucose and lipid metabolism were determined to clarify its mechanism.
Results: Analysis of mRNA expressions revealed that Inslow increased the expression of enzymes involved in Beta -oxidation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) in the liver, and increased PPAR-gamma, adiponectin and uncoupling protein 2 as well as decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha in adipose tissue in comparison with those of SBF.
Conclusions: Inslow may induce improvement of insulin resistance by accelerated Beta-oxidation through increased expression of the hepatic PPAR-alpha gene and adipocyte PPAR-gamma gene. Therefore, Inslow is a functional food which prevents and treats type 2 diabetes.