Researchers discovered that a type of dietary fiber called inulin might protect nerves from damage caused by diabetes. In a study using mice with diabetes, inulin supplementation reduced nerve pain, decreased inflammation, and changed the balance of bacteria in the gut in helpful ways. The fiber appeared to work by improving the gut’s bacterial community and changing how the body processes certain chemicals. These findings suggest inulin could be a safe, natural way to help prevent or slow down nerve damage that often occurs in people with diabetes, though human studies are still needed to confirm these results.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a plant fiber called inulin could prevent or reduce nerve damage that happens in people with diabetes
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were genetically engineered to develop diabetes, divided into groups that either received inulin or didn’t receive it
  • Key finding: Mice that received inulin for 6 weeks showed less nerve pain, better nerve function, and lower inflammation markers compared to mice that didn’t receive it
  • What it means for you: Inulin, found in foods like chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes, may help protect nerves from diabetes damage, but this was tested in mice—human studies are needed before recommending it as a treatment

The Research Details

Scientists used laboratory mice that naturally develop diabetes to test whether inulin could help prevent nerve damage. They divided the mice into four groups: some with early-stage diabetes, some with early-stage diabetes plus inulin, some with full diabetes, and some with full diabetes plus inulin. For 6 weeks, they gave inulin to one group in each stage and compared the results to mice that didn’t receive it.

The researchers measured nerve damage by testing how the mice responded to pain (both pressure and heat), checked how well their nerves transmitted signals, and analyzed blood samples. They also examined the bacteria living in the mice’s intestines and identified which chemical compounds changed in response to inulin treatment.

This approach allowed them to see if inulin worked at different stages of diabetes and to understand how it might work by looking at gut bacteria and body chemistry changes.

This research design is important because it tests inulin at different stages of diabetes (early warning signs versus full diabetes), which helps show whether it could help prevent nerve damage before it starts or slow it down after it begins. By examining gut bacteria and chemical changes, the study reveals the actual mechanism—how inulin works—rather than just showing that it works.

This study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with mice, which allows researchers to carefully control variables and measure specific effects. However, mice don’t always respond the same way humans do to treatments. The study was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work. The main limitation is that this is animal research, so human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings are safe and effective in people.

What the Results Show

Mice that received inulin showed significant improvements in nerve-related symptoms. They experienced less pain when pressure was applied to their paws and were less sensitive to heat—both signs of reduced nerve damage. Their nerves also conducted electrical signals better, indicating improved nerve function.

Inulin treatment reduced inflammation throughout the body. The researchers measured inflammatory proteins in the blood and found that inulin lowered harmful inflammation markers (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17A) while increasing protective anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10) in the early-stage diabetes group. This suggests inulin helps calm the body’s overactive immune response that damages nerves in diabetes.

The supplement also reduced a harmful substance called LPS that leaks from the intestines into the bloodstream—a problem that contributes to inflammation and nerve damage in diabetes. By strengthening the intestinal barrier, inulin appeared to prevent this harmful leakage.

The study revealed that inulin changed the balance of bacteria in the gut in beneficial ways. It increased helpful bacteria (Bacteroides and Cyanobacteria) while decreasing harmful bacteria (Ruminiclostridium_6, Mucispirillum, and others) that promote inflammation. Additionally, inulin altered the levels of 8 specific chemical compounds in the body. In early-stage diabetes, it increased protective compounds like taurine and dodecanoic acid while decreasing harmful compounds. In full diabetes, it increased compounds involved in energy production, brain chemistry, and blood sugar control. These chemical changes appeared to work together with the bacterial changes to protect nerves.

Previous research has shown that gut bacteria play a role in diabetes complications, and that inulin can change bacterial populations. This study builds on that knowledge by demonstrating a direct connection between inulin-induced bacterial changes and reduced nerve damage. The finding that inulin works at different diabetes stages is new and suggests it might be useful both for prevention and treatment. The detailed analysis of which specific chemical compounds change adds important information about how inulin actually protects nerves.

This research was conducted entirely in mice, not humans, so results may not directly apply to people. The study didn’t test different doses of inulin or compare it to other treatments. The researchers didn’t measure how long the protective effects last after stopping inulin. Additionally, while the study identifies which bacteria and chemicals change, the exact chain of events explaining how these changes prevent nerve damage isn’t completely clear. Finally, the sample size of mice in each group wasn’t specified in the abstract, making it difficult to assess statistical power.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, inulin appears promising for nerve protection in diabetes, but human studies are needed before making clinical recommendations. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, discuss with your doctor whether adding inulin-rich foods (chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, asparagus) to your diet might be appropriate for you. This should complement, not replace, standard diabetes management including blood sugar control, medication, and exercise. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (animal study only).

People with diabetes or prediabetes who are concerned about nerve damage should find this research interesting, as should their healthcare providers. However, this is preliminary research in mice. People with digestive issues or certain gut conditions should consult their doctor before significantly increasing inulin intake, as it can cause bloating and gas. This research is not yet applicable as a standalone treatment recommendation.

In the mouse study, benefits appeared after 6 weeks of treatment. If similar effects occur in humans, you might expect to see changes over weeks to months, not days. However, this timeline is speculative based on animal research and hasn’t been tested in people.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily inulin intake (grams) from food sources and monitor nerve-related symptoms weekly using a simple pain scale (0-10) for numbness, tingling, or foot pain
  • Add one inulin-rich food to your daily diet (such as half a medium chicory root, a handful of Jerusalem artichokes, or extra garlic/onions in meals) and gradually increase intake while monitoring digestive comfort
  • Create a weekly log noting inulin sources consumed, digestive symptoms, and any changes in nerve-related sensations; share results with your healthcare provider at regular check-ins to assess whether this dietary change is helping your individual situation

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans. These findings are preliminary and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or professional medical advice. If you have diabetes, prediabetes, or nerve damage, consult your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes or starting any supplement regimen. Inulin can cause digestive side effects including bloating and gas, especially when intake is increased rapidly. People with certain digestive conditions should be particularly cautious. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.