Last updated September 1, 2026
Key finding
Fasting insulin decreased by 2.9 with inulin.
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of inulin supplementation on glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
Save research, organize studies, and quickly find important evidence again.
Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of inulin supplementation on glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk.
These findings suggest that inulin supplementation could be a beneficial dietary intervention for improving glucose metabolism and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Understanding how inulin affects insulin levels and resistance can help guide dietary recommendations for at-risk populations.
Small sample size limits generalizability. Short duration may not capture long-term effects. No assessment of dietary adherence among participants.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Cassie MM, Brenda MD, Monica AP, et al. The Efficacy of Inulin Supplementation to Improve Glucose Metabolism and Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):3235. doi:10.3390/nu13093235
Fasting insulin decreased by 2.9 uIU/mL with inulin (p = 0.003).
Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) reduced by 0.40 units with inulin (p = 0.004).
Bifidobacteria copy number increased by 3.1e9 with inulin (p = 0.04).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Inulin supplementation and Fasting insulin levels, Increase in Bifidobacteria copy number with inulin supplementation, Insulin resistance, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Inulin supplementation
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.
Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
0
Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Inulin supplementation → Fasting insulin levels
Inulin supplementation → Fasting insulin levels
Inulin supplementation → Increase in Bifidobacteria copy number with inulin supplementation
Inulin supplementation → Increase in Bifidobacteria copy number with inulin supplementation
Inulin supplementation → Insulin resistance
Inulin supplementation → Insulin resistance
Inulin supplementation → Insulin sensitivity
Inulin supplementation → Insulin sensitivity
Evidence Library
Save research, organize studies, and quickly find important evidence again.
Evidence Library
Save research, organize studies, and quickly find important evidence again.
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Inulin supplementation and Insulin Resistance, Inulin supplementation and Insulin Resistance.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
Jump to pre-filtered views in Evidence Explorer.
2 results
2 results
2 results
2 results
2 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Inulin supplementation may improve fasting insulin levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting insulin levels
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
Inulin supplementation may improve insulin resistance.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Insulin resistance
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
Inulin supplementation appears to improve increase in bifidobacteria copy number with inulin supplementation.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Increase in Bifidobacteria copy number with inulin supplementation
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Inulin supplementation for insulin sensitivity.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Insulin sensitivity
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Next steps
Choose a next path through related evidence topics, Evidence Explorer views, and research summaries.
Open broader Evidence Explorer views for this relationship.
Read related research summaries.
Focused on evidence, not advertising.
Your data is always protected.
New studies added every day.
