INS and peripheral arterial disease: Other mechanisms by which fiber intake might protect against PAD are: [1] increased insulin sensitivity, as fiber consumption improves insulin sensitivity by slowing the absorption of nutrients from the gut [58]; [2] reduced serum glucose levels [58]; [3] production of short chain fatty acids by gut bacteria consequently improving glucose metabolism [59], which is associated with lower LDL, blood pressure and triacylglycerols, and higher HDL [59].