Acute effect of Melon Manis Terengganu peel powder on glycemic response, perceived satiety, and food intake: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes

Background: Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) peel has a high dietary fiber content, but there is no data examining its health benefits in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether consumption of MMT peel powder improves glycemic response, satiety, and food intake in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods An open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design trial was conducted among adults (n = 30, ages 18–59 y) at risk of type 2 diabetes. They consumed Formulation 3 (formulated MMT peel powder) [A] and control (glucose) [B] with study breakfast based on randomly assigned treatment sequences (AB, BA) established by Research Randomizer (www.randomizer.org). Capillary blood glucose and perceived satiety were determined at baseline (0 min), 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, followed by a post-intervention food intake measurement. Results Respondents (n = 30) who consumed Formulation 3 had a significantly lower blood glucose 2-hour incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of 134.7 ± 44.5 mmol/L*min and maximum concentration (CMax) of 7.2 ± 1.1 mmol/L with relative reduction of 26.8% and 13.3% respectively, when compared with control (p  0.05). Besides, significantly lower perceived satiety, energy and fat intake as well as higher fiber intake were also observed in the intervention group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no marked side effects associated with the ingestion of the test products. Conclusions Short-term consumption of formulated MMT peel powder may have a positive impact on glycemic response (iAUC and CMax), satiety, and food intake in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes with the potential to be utilized as a functional beverage. Medium-to long-term clinical trial is warranted to determine whether taking this formulated MMT peel powder on a daily basis has an influence on health outcomes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05298111. Registered 28/03/2022.