Chilli intake has beneficial effect on postprandial glucose in people with type-2 diabetes

Background We have previously shown a potentially beneficial role of chilli in improving postprandial glucose metabolism in healthy, but overweight individuals. Objective To compare the effects of a bland meal and a chilli-containing meal, at the end of a bland diet and a chilli-containing diet respectively, on postprandial plasma glucose, insulin and cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) in twenty-five type-2 diabetics. Design Participants (11 male, 14 female; aged 63.1±7.1 years) consumed a bland diet, followed by a similar diet with 30 g/day of ‘Freshly chopped chilli’ blend (Masterfoods™; 62% cayenne chilli) every day for one-week each. Use of other spices was restricted to minimum amounts in both dietary periods. Postprandial glucose and insulin profiles were assessed in response to a standard bland meal and to a chilli-containing meal at the end of each respective dietary period. Meals were iso-caloric and provided the same amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Outcomes There was no significant difference between fasting plasma glucose concentrations at the end of chilli and bland dietary periods (P=0.58). Area under the curve for glucose (AUCgluc) after the chilli meal was approximately 25% lower than AUCgluc after the bland meal (P=0.035). In contrast, AUCinsulin was significantly higher after the chilli meal compared to the bland meal (P=0.025). Although plasma glucose peaked at 60 min post-meal for both meals, the peak concentration for the chilli meal was 1.8 mmol/L (95% CI -0.9 to -2.69 mmol/L) lower than the peak for the bland meal (P=0.0002). IL-6, IL10 and TNF-α were not significantly different between the two meals. Conclusion Chilli may have beneficial hypoglycaemic effects in type-2 diabetes. Further studies are required to elucidate mechanisms and test whether these beneficial effects can be maintained over long-term.