Millets and Metabolic Health: A Review on Their Role in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Abstract

Millets are nutrient dense, small seeded cereals rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, polyphenols, and essential minerals, making them a promising dietary intervention for the prevention and management of diabetes. Their low glycaemic index and high fiber content slow gastric emptying, reduce postprandial glucose spikes, and promote satiety, thereby aiding in weight control. Bioactive compounds in millets, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, inhibit carbohydrate digesting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, enhance insulin sensitivity, and exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Millets are  best option for gut health by acting as prebiotics and stimulating short-chain fatty acid production, further improving glucose metabolism. Evidence from clinical and experimental studies highlights the superior nutritional and functional benefits of millets over staple cereals like rice, wheat, and maize. The current review deals with the health aspects of millets which answer the question why millets are tagged as nutricereal.