Effect of Millets on Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
- Summarised by TGHC Editorial Team
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose due to insulin resistance and/or inadequate insulin secretion. A growing body of evidence shows that millets—ancient small grains including sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), foxtail, kodo, barnyard, little and proso millets—can play a meaningful role in prevention and dietary management of T2DM. (PMC)
How millets help — the main mechanisms
Low to intermediate glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load.Many millet preparations produce smaller and slower post-prandial glucose rises compared with refined staples such as white rice or maida, which helps blunt glucose spikes and overall glycemic variability—an important target in diabetes care. Clinical and population studies (and meta-analyses) consistently report lower GI values and improved post-prandial responses with millet-based meals. (PMC)
High dietary fiber and resistant starch.Millets are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber and contain resistant starch fractions. Fiber slows gastric emptying and carbohydrate absorption, improves satiety, and contributes to better fasting and post-prandial glucose control and weight management—factors that reduce insulin resistance. (Frontiers)
Bioactive phytochemicals that affect carbohydrate metabolism. Phenolic compounds and other polyphenols in millets can inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), lowering the rate of starch breakdown to glucose. These compounds also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may improve insulin signalling. (Frontiers)
Beneficial effects on gut microbiota and metabolic pathways. Emerging studies show millet consumption can modulate gut microbial communities and bile-acid/lipid metabolism in ways that favor improved glucose homeostasis and reduced insulin resistance. Fermented millet products in particular may amplify these benefits. (ScienceDirect)
Clinical and experimental evidence
A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that millets generally lower fasting and post-prandial glucose and may reduce HbA1c when substituted for high-GI staples, supporting their potential role in T2DM management. (PMC)
Older controlled feeding studies (for example, finger millet interventions) have shown significantly lower plasma glucose excursions and area under the glucose curve versus rice or refined wheat meals. These findings illustrate millets’ practical glucose-lowering potential in real meals. (PubMed)
Recent intervention trials and observational studies report improvements in fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipid profiles with regular millet-based diets; some trials (including trials with foxtail and sorghum variants) reported clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c, fasting glucose and triglycerides over weeks to months. Fermented sorghum products have shown promising effects on insulin resistance and gut dysbiosis in controlled studies. (Lippincott)
Practical recommendations
Prefer whole/ minimally processed millets (whole grain flour, cracked or whole grain preparations). Processing (refined flours, extruded snacks) can raise GI and reduce benefits. (PMC)
Use millets as a partial or full substitute for refined rice/wheat in regular meals—rotis, porridges, upma, khichdi and mixed millet pilafs maintain fiber and phytochemical content. (PMC)
Combine millets with protein, healthy fats and vegetables to further lower meal GI and improve satiety (e.g., millet khichdi with lentils and vegetables). (Frontiers)
Monitor portion sizes and overall carbohydrate intake. Even low-GI foods affect blood glucose when consumed in large amounts—individual responses vary, so people with diabetes should check glucose responses (self-monitoring or with healthcare guidance) when switching staples. (PMC)
Caveats and research gaps
While the evidence is encouraging, heterogeneity in study designs, types of millets, preparation methods and trial durations means that exact effect sizes vary. Long-term randomized controlled trials across diverse populations are still limited. Millets are not a standalone cure—they are a valuable dietary component within an overall diabetes management plan including medication, physical activity and regular medical follow-up. (Frontiers)
References (APA style)
Anitha, S., & colleagues. (2021). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the potential of millets in glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.687428. (PMC)
Jacob, J., & colleagues. (2024). The nutrition and therapeutic potential of millets. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1346869. (Frontiers)
Kumari, P. L., et al. (2002). Effect of consumption of finger millet on hyperglycemia in humans. (Clinical feeding study). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12602929/. (PubMed)
Ofosu, F. K., et al. (2023). Fermented sorghum improves type 2 diabetes remission by improving glycaemic control and gut microbiota. (Journal article). ScienceDirect. (ScienceDirect)
Jali, S., et al. (reported trial). (2023–2024). Foxtail millet–based dietary intervention and metabolic outcomes in T2DM. (Clinical trial reports). (Lippincott)
