The Effect of Nut Consumption on Fasting Plasma Glucose Levels in Pre‐Diabetic and Diabetic Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the effects of nut consumption on fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels among type 2 diabetic and pre‐diabetic subjects. Twenty‐seven diabetic (fasting blood glucose >125 mg/dl) and pre‐diabetic (fasting blood glucose 100–125 mg/dl) subjects between the ages of 33–86 years old were recruited. The study used an 8‐week randomized (3×3) cross‐over design with 1‐week washout period between treatments (walnut, almond, and control). The study results showed no significant difference in FBG levels in diabetic and pre‐diabetic subjects on a nut‐containing diet compared to habitual diet (control) with p = .727 for almond and p =.791 for walnut. Combining both nut groups also showed no significant difference in FBG levels when compared to control (p = .963). When diabetic subjects were compared to pre‐diabetic subjects, both receiving nut‐containing diet, there was no significant difference in FBG between groups (p =.422). In conclusion, our study found no significant effect on FBG levels among diabetic and pre‐diabetic subjects while on a nut‐containing diet compared to habitual diet. Nevertheless, the beneficial effects of nut ingestion due to its desirable lipid profile and high level of antioxidant content in the context of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease can not be ignored.