Millet-Based Diets may improve Metabolic Health in Type 2 Diabetes Patients, suggests study

Dr. Shravani Dali

Millet-Based Diets may improve Metabolic Health in Type 2 Diabetes Patients, suggests study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2026-01-02T09:00:34+05:30 | Updated On 2 Jan 2026 9:00 AM IST

Researchers have found in a new study that consumption of millet-based foods may improve glycemic response and LDL-cholesterol levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Millet type and preparation methods significantly influence glycemic outcomes. However well-controlled, multi-ethnic trials are required to establish robust and clinically actionable evidence on the metabolic benefits of millets.

The aim of the study was to systematically review the literature to analyze the effect of millet consumption on metabolic homeostasis in adults. They conducted a systematic review of literature to evaluate effect of millet-consumption on metabolic homeostasis. Science Direct and PubMed databases were used to search articles till January 14th, 2025. Quality of randomized-controlled and crossover-studies were reported using the Cochrane-Risk-of-Bias-Assessment-scale, while that of non-randomized studies were reported using the Risk-of-Bias Non-Randomized- Studies-of Interventions-scale.

Results: One randomized-controlled study, three randomized-crossover studies, and two non-randomized studies were included. In participants with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), multigrain rotis prepared from finger millet, foxtail millet, sorghum, jowar, oats and maize reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, foxtail millet dosas reduced postprandial blood glucose levels and food prepared from heat-treated barnyard grains reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) and LDL-c levels. Food prepared from powdered finger millet and little millet reduced FBG levels in prediabetics.

Consumption of millet-based foods could improve glycemic response and LDL-c levels in individuals with T2DM. Both millet type and preparation methods influenced glycemic response. Future well-controlled trials on subjects from multiple ethnicities are needed for generating robust and actionable evidence of the role of millet consumption on metabolic health.

Reference:

Nisarga S. Naik, Nikhil Nadiger, Arpita Mukhopadhyay. Effects of millet consumption on metabolic homeostasis (glycemic control and lipid profiles) in adults: A systematic review. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, Volume 20, Issue 1, 2026, 103359, ISSN 1871-4021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2025.103359.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871402125001766)

Keywords:

Millet-Based, Diets, may, improve, Metabolic, Health, Type 2 Diabetes Patients, study, Nisarga S. Naik, Nikhil Nadiger, Arpita Mukhopadhyay.

Millet-BasedDietsmayimproveMetabolicHealthType 2 Diabetes Patientsstudy

Source : Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.