Comparative Efficacy of Finger Millet and Barley-based Diets with Lifestyle Modification in Glycaemic Control Among Prediabetic Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background and Aims: In India, one in four people has obesity, diabetes or prediabetes. India has around 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people with prediabetes. Each year, approximately 5%-10% of individuals with prediabetes progress to type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modification, including dietary changes, is key to prevention and management. This study examined the efficacy of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) diets, combined with lifestyle modifications, in the management of prediabetes. Methods: A 90-day, randomised, controlled, single-blinded, multi-arm experiment with 90 people with prediabetes in three groups was conducted. Group A received finger millet, Group B barley and Group C a standard diet with lifestyle modifications. All groups were encouraged to exercise 150 minutes per week at moderate intensity. Six follow-ups were done. Changes in fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, HbA1c were the primary objective analysed at baseline and 90 days. Results: The results showed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (P < .001) and postprandial plasma glucose (P < .05) between Groups A and B and Groups A and C. Additionally, HbA1c levels show statistically significant results (P < .001) between Groups A and B and Groups B and C. There were no significant adverse events in all the groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed the effectiveness of dietary interventions involving finger millet, barley and lifestyle modifications in the management of individuals with prediabetes.