He Oranga Kai Food4Health

Approximately 26% of all New Zealand adults have prediabetes which, if left untreated, may develop into type 2 diabetes and lead to significant health problems.

Research shows that the microbes in our gut affect our health in many ways, including how our bodies process foods and sugars. We can modify our gut microbes by taking supplements of probiotics (which contain live bacteria that give health benefits) and prebiotics (substances from foods which support the gut microbes).

This study investigated whether taking a probiotic supplement can improve the levels of glucose and fat in the blood of adults with prediabetes, and ultimately prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Study participants were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic or a placebo, and one of two different cereals, in a blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Cereals were included in the study because of their potential to act as a prebiotic with the potential to boost the effect of the probiotic.