Barley News & Updates

From Healthy Montana, Great Falls Tribune

More than 72 million Americans are obese and over 20 million Americans are diabetic. Every day, 4,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes; 1.5 million are diagnosed every year.

Consumption of soluble fiber beta-glucan, found in both oats and barley (highest levels are found in waxy hulless barley), results in reductions in blood glucose and insulin levels. Studies suggest that eating a diet that includes adequate levels of soluble fiber should reduce the onset of Type II diabetes.

Eating foods high in fiber help the body feel full. Beta-glucan traps and slows the digestion of carbohydrates and helps flush cholesterol, toxins and some dietary fat from the system.

"Obesity and Type 2 diabetes go hand in hand," said Dr. Frances Gough. "People with diabetes are then at higher risk for other conditions, including heart disease. These barley cereal products give us a tool to help our patients better manage a dangerous disease, because of both the soluble fiber effects and the superior nutrition it provides as part of a balanced diet."

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five total health care dollars goes to treat someone diagnosed with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, an estimated 6.2 million do not know they are afflicted and 41 million Americans are pre-diabetic.