Dietary Fiber Intake and Type 2 Diabetes Indicators by Sex and Ethnicity for the U.S. Adults: A Secondary Analysis of NHANES 2017–2018 Data

Abstract Objectives The relationship between dietary fiber intake and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dl) among U.S. adults aged 40 years and older were studied. 2017–2018 NHANES data (N = 3309) was used. Sex and ethnicity differences were studied. Methods Participants were included if they had data available for daily fiber intake during the first in-person interview and laboratory data for fasting plasma glucose levels. n = 1643 were males and n = 1666 were females. n = 402 were Mexican American, n = 308 were Other Hispanic, n = 1229 were Non- Hispanic White, n = 799 were Non- Hispanic Black, n = 416 were Non- Hispanic Asian, and n = 155 were other race- including Multi-Racial. The participants with diabetes, n = 409 were males, and n = 312 were females. Independent-Samples T test was used to compare means between dietary fiber intake and FPG levels by sex and ethnicity. Results Fiber intake was significantly different between sex and ethnic groups; Mexican American, Other Hispanic, Non- Hispanic White, Non- Hispanic Black, Non- Hispanic Asian, and other race- including Multi-Racial (p < 0.001). Males had significantly higher fiber intake than females (p < 0.001). Mexican American had significantly higher fiber intake than non-Hispanic White and non- Hispanic Black (p < 0.001). FPG levels were significantly different between sex groups (p < 0.001). Males had significantly lower FPG levels than females (p < 0.001). FPG was significantly lower for those with high fiber intake (p < 0.001). Conclusions Dietary fiber intake and fasting plasma glucose levels by sex and ethnicity need to be further studied in controlled clinical trials. Funding Sources Florida International University.