Title:
The metablic effects of almond consumption in adults with pre-diabetes

Summary:
Pre-diabetes is defined as the presence of impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. There is good experimentl evidence showing that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be prevented or delayed with diet and lifestyle modification. Moreover, high levels of the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 identify patients at increased risk for developing cardiovasculardisease and progressing from pre-diabetes to overt T2DM. Almond-enriched meal patterns have potent natural anti-inflammatory propertied that mgiht decrease C-reactive protein levels, improve cardiovascular risk and delay the onset of T2DM in adults iwth pre-diabetes.

This study was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) to study the effects of an almond-enriched diet on glycemic control, specific inflammatory biomarkers, and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with pre-diabetes. Participants with pre-diabetes were recruited from diabetes clinics and health fairs. They were assigned to a control diet (nut-free) or an almond-enriched diet (intervention) yielding 35% fat, 50% CHO and 15% protein. Subjects attended monthly clinics where raw or dry roasted whole varietes of almonds were given to those on the intervention diet. All participants kept food and activity records and reported dietary recalls to the study registered dietitian.

Anthoropmetic and blood pressure measurements were recorded at each monthly clinic and every 8 weeks serum samples were collected. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG and glucose will be determined. Venous blood was drawn to measure CRP, IL-6, alpha tocopherol and insulin. Glycosylated hemoglobin and will determined and insulin resistance will be assessed. Outcomes will be posted upon competion of publication.

Publications
Pending

Presentations:
Wien M, Sabaté J, Monahan-Couch L, Oda K. The effect of almonds on plasma lipids in person with prediabetes. Experimental Biology, New Orelans, LA, April 2008, 193:A677.21. abstract

Date: 2005

Funded by: Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA