The effect of modified rice bran (MGN-3) (also known as Lentin Plus 1000) on glucose tolerance as studied in NIDDM adult rats and changes in taste preference were also examined. NIDDM adult rats were made by intraperitoneal injection of 100mg streptozotocin at 1.5 days of age.

Following weaning, the animals were divided into 3 groups, control, diabetic rats fed 1% cellulose diet and diabetic rats fed 1% MGN-3 diet. Rats were free access to experimental diets and water for 2 months. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at 8 weeks of age. Two-bottle-choice preference tests between aqueous solution, either of 5mM citric acid, 0.016mM quinine sulfate, 0.82mM sodium saccharin, 21mM sodium chiloride or 27 mM monosodium glutamate, and deionized water were conducted in the experimental period.

Trunk blood were collected and plasma levels of insulin, glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, Total protein, albumin, urea nitorogen and zinc were measured. Plasma glucose levels increased significantly faster and higher than that of the normal controls in oral glucose tolerance test. When the NIDDM rats administered MGN-3, the abrupt rise of plasma glucose levels slowed down. Although taste preferences in NIDDM rats were not significantly different as to the control, diabetic rats showed aversion to sourness as was observed in IDDM rats (Nutrition Research, in press).

The plasma total cholesterol level only among various parameters lowered significantly by the administration of MGN-3. MGN-3 can be useful as a dietary fiber supplement for the treatment of diabetes