Scientists have claimed that eating porridge could help to control diabetes more effectively, the Aberdeen Press & Journal reports.

Researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), UK, and the Rowett Institute also think that the cereal could help to limit the inflammatory side-effects of type-2 diabetes.

Approximately 60 people with the condition, which is characterised by high blood glucose levels, will take part in a new trial. Some volunteers will eat a diet rich in oats, with their immediate effects on diabetes being compared to people who ate a regular diet.

Study leader professor Sandra MacRury, from UHU's department of diabetes and cardiovascular science, told the newspaper: "The aim is to develop new dietary plans which could improve diabetes control, delay the need for people with type-2 diabetes to start tablets or insulin to control their blood sugar, and potentially reduce the risk of some of the complications of diabetes."

Oats could be effective because they are a low GI (glycaemic index) food stuff. Their carbohydrates are broken down more slowly which allows glucose to be gradually released into the bloodstream.

The World Health Organization has said that three million people a year die from diabetes.

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