Glycemic Effects of Substituting Pecans for Snacks Higher in Saturated Fat and Added Sugars in Individuals With Prediabetes
Penn State University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of replacing snacks higher in saturated fats and added sugars with pecans on blood sugar control, heart health and diet quality in individuals with prediabetes. Participants will be randomized into one of two groups. Group 1 will consume 1.5 oz of pecans per day in place of normally consumed snacks higher in saturated fat and added sugars for 16 weeks. Group 2 will be asked to continue consuming their current diet for 16 weeks. Measures will be taken to evaluate blood sugar, heart health and dietary intake at the beginning and 16 weeks later.
Description
This is a 16-week randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomized to either: 1) replace current snacks higher in saturated fat and added sugars with 1.5 oz/day of pecans; 2) continue their habitual diet. At the beginning and the end of the 16-week study period, testing will be conducted.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 25–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 25-65 years * Prediabetes assessed by an HbA1c of 5.7-6.4% at screening * BMI 25-40 kg/m2 at screening * Low habitual nut consumption (\<3.5 oz-eq/week) assessed at the telephone screening * Regularly eats snacks higher in saturated fat and/or added sugars assessed at the telephone screening Exclusion Criteria: * LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL at screening * Hemoglobin \<13.2 g/dL at screening * Fasting triglycerides \>350 mg/dL at screening * ≥10% change in body weight within the 6 months prior to enrollment * Blood pressure \>140/90 mmHg at screening * Type 1 or type 2 diabete…
Interventions
- BehavioralPecan snacking
Replacement of typically consumed snacks with 1.5 oz/day of pecans
- OtherUsual diet
Continue with usual diet
Location
- The Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, Pennsylvania