Acute Effect of Pistachio Intake on Postprandial Glycemic and Gut Hormone Responses in Women With Gestational Diabetes or Gestational Impaired Glucose Tolerance: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study

Abstract

Long-term consumption of pistachios could potentially improves glucose homeostasis. Impaired postprandial glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) responses have been reported in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of two isocaloric test meals, 42 g pistachios and 100 g whole-wheat bread (WWB) on postprandial glucose, insulin, and gut derived incretin levels in Chinese women with gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT) or GDM. Expected glucose and insulin responses were observed after WWB consumption. Isocaloric pistachio intake had minimal effect on blood glucose or insulin. In both GIGT and GDM patients, significant higher GLP-1 levels were observed at 90 and 120 min after pistachio compared to WWB intake. Significant lower gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels were observed at 30 and 60 min in GDM patients or 120 min in GIGT patients after pistachio compared to WWB intake. In summary, isocaloric pistachio intake induced significantly lower postprandial glucose, insulin and GIP but higher GLP-1 levels compared to WWB. Our data suggest pistachios are effective alternative to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate food to improve postprandial glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 response in women with GDM and GIGT.

Nuts as Dietary Source of Fatty Acids and Micro Nutrients in Human Health

“…At the end of the study, statistically significant improvement was seen in levels of fasting blood sugar (FBG) however, no significant effect was seen on HbA1c and insulin levels. In a recent study conducted to evaluate the acute effects of two isocaloric test meals, 42 g pistachios and 100 g whole-wheat bread (WWB) on postprandial glucose, insulin, and gut derived incretin levels in Chinese women with gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) suggested that pistachios are effective alternative to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate food to improve postprandial glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 response in women with GDM and GIGT [106]. The fiber, healthy fats, low available carbohydrate and carotenoid content of pistachios are the important nutrients involved in glucose metabolism as suggested by Bullo et al [107].…”

Health Benefits Related to Tree Nut Consumption and Their Bioactive Compounds

“…A randomized controlled study has reported the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet with additional extra virgin olive oil and pistachios on gestational diabetes mellitus, whose prevalence is increasing and becoming a major public health concern [ 117 ]. These data are supported by a later study showing that pistachios are an effective alternative to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate food in order to improve postprandial glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 response in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and with gestational impaired glucose tolerance [ 118 ].…”

Plant-based snacking: research and practical applications of pistachios for health benefits

“…Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs suggest beneficial effects on blood pressure, endothelial function and on markers of glucose and insulin metabolism (19,30) . For comprehensive reviews of the health effects of pistachio nuts, see Bullo et al (9) Plant-based diets Plant-based diets, which emphasise plant foods but do not necessarily fully exclude animal foods (31) , have become centre stage both for nutritional health and climactic/sustainability reasons. An evidence-based focus on one of nature's unprocessed, plant food snacks is therefore timely.…”

“…Feng et al. Shanghai, China (9) Randomised Controlled Cross-over Trial. Two isoenergetic test meals: 42 g pistachios or 100 g whole wheat bread.…”

“…Women were then given either WWB or Table 6. Nutrients (per serving size) provided by isoenergetic test meals of whole wheat bread and pistachios (9) Whole wheat bread Pistachios pistachios and consumed the load within 15 min. Blood samples were collected 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after ingestion.…”