Effects of peanut and peanut butter consumption on blood lipids and glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes

Background:
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United States is approximately 6% of the total population. Insulin resistance, the major defect of diabetes, leads to an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Epidemiological findings suggest that there are potential benefits of frequent nut and peanut butter consumption in lowering the risk of diabetes in women. Peanuts and peanut butter contain high levels of monounsaturated fat (MUFA), arginine, fiber, phytosterols, resveritrol and vitamin E that have the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through improved blood glucose control and favorable modification of blood lipids. When substituted for saturated fat in the diet, MUFA may have important metabolic benefits for person with diabetes.

Study description:
This study is investigating the effects of a peanut and peanut butter-enriched diet on markers of CVD risk factors in free-living adults with type 2 diabetes. The primary clinical outcome will be HDL-cholesterol; the secondary outcomes will include additional serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol), glucose, HbA1C and anthropometry (body weight, body composition and waist circumference).

Sixty participants have been assigned to either a control diet (moderate fat with no peanuts or peanut butter) or an intervention diet (moderate fat supplemented with 32 grams of peanuts or 2 Tbsp of peanut butter per day). All participants are provided with an individualized portion-controlled meal plan using the American Dietetic Association food exchange with the oversight of a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Participants are following the assigned diet for six months and make six visits to the study center for anthropometric measurements. At week 12 and week 24, blood is drawn from each participant.

Upon completion by all participants biological samples and anthropometic measurements will be analyzed. Results are expected for publication in early 2011.

For information on the study director, Dr. Michelle Wien at Loma Linda University Department of Nutrition at 909-558-4598. Or send her an email at mwien@llu.edu

Study funded by the National Peanut Board.