A Randomized Clinical Trial Study Protocol on the Effect of Barley Savigh on Blood Glucose in Prediabetic Menopausal Women

Hormonal changes during menopause may result in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the prevention of diabetes and its complications is essential during menopause. The effects of barley (Hordeum vulgare L) in maintaining blood glucose and insulin have been previously reported. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of roasted barley flour consumption on the blood sugar level of prediabetic postmenopausal women.  This randomized controlled trial study will be conducted on 68 prediabetic postmenopausal women referring to community health centers in Gonabad, Iran. All participants will complete a demographic questionnaire, and their fasting and two-hour postprandial blood glucose levels, HbA1C, will be recorded. The intervention group will receive 60g of roasted barley flour daily (20g before each meal) for four weeks, while the control group will receive no intervention. Fasting and two-hour postprandial blood glucose will be checked by venous blood sampling at baseline, two and four weeks after intervention. All participants will complete three-day food intake record and Beck's physical activity questionnaire during the study. Data will be analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software (version 16), and a p-value less than 0.05 will be considered significant.  This study may prove the effectiveness of roasted barley flour in reducing blood glucose. Daily consumption of this compound can be recommended for prediabetic menopausal women.