L-arabinose and D-xylose: sweet pentoses that may reduce postprandial glucose and insulin responses

Background: Diets inducing high fluctuations in plasma glucose levels are linked to type 2 diabetes. L-arabi- nose and D-xylose have been hypothesized to inhibit intestinal sucrase activity, delay sucrose digestion, and reduce glycaemic and insulinaemic responses. However, few human studies have assessed this using realistic foods. Objective: We investigated the effects of the addition of L-arabinose and D-xylose on glucose homeostasis using a fruit-based drink and the effect of L-arabinose...