Abstract:Objective To observe the effect of high specific volume polysaccharide, a new kind of dietary fiber, for the treatment of constipation in the patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or diabetes, and its impact on blood sugar. Methods In this study, 80 constipation patients with IFG (IFG group) and 60 constipation patients with diabetes (DM group) were enrolled. To relieve their symptoms, the subjects were administrated with high specific volume polysaccharide 5 g, three times daily, for 2 w. The stool form, exertion in defecation, feeling of incomplete defecation, and feeling of anorectal blocking were recorded before and after administration. The average fasting blood glucose levels and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions in both groups were also recorded. Moreover, the adverse reactions were observed. Results Every volunteer returned for a follow-up visit. No adverse reactions were reported in either group. In both groups, the stool form, straining during a bowel movement, feeling of incomplete bowel movement and feeling of blocking anorectum were relieved after treatment for 7 and 14 d (P < 0.05). In the IFG group, both the average fasting blood glucose level and the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions dropped after administration. In the DM group, the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions dropped from (4.14 ± 1.62) mmol/L to (3.60 ± 1.72) mmol/L (P < 0.05). Conclusions High specific volume polysaccharide has been proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of constipation without adverse reactions. It can decrease and stabilize the blood sugar level and the fluctuation of blood sugar in the constipation patients with impaired fasting blood glucose, however only stabilize blood sugar fluctuation in the constipation patients with diabetes.