Evaluating the efficacy of Millet-Based foods and beverages in glycemic control: A prisma-2020 Systematic Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a growing global health challenge that necessitates effective dietary interventions. Millets, recognized as functional foods, have attracted increasing attention for their potential in glycemic control due to their high fiber content and favorable nutritional profile. This systematic review aimed to evaluatethe efficacy of millet-based foods and beverages in regulating glycemic levels among individuals with T2DM. An extensive review of literature was carried out through PubMed, Google Scholar, and COPE databases in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 that focused on millet-based dietary interventions for T2DM management were included. Out of 1,296 articles screened, 26 were selected for detailed review, and 10 met the final inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that millet-based foods consistently exhibited low glycemic indices (GI ranging from 37 to 53) and moderate glycemic loads. Regular consumption of millets led to significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (11.8%) and post-prandial blood sugar (15.1%) levels when compared to other staple foods. Processing techniques, particularly parboiling, further improved the nutritional benefits by enhancing resistant starch content and antioxidant capacity. The results point toward the usefulness of millet-based foods as supportive option in T2DM management due to their slow carbohydrate release, high dietary fiber, and antioxidant properties. The evidence supports the inclusion of millets in dietary recommendations aimed at diabetes control.