Effect of almonds on cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study design (1035.1)

Almonds have shown to improve glucose control and lipid profile and ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The main objective of this study is to further substantiate health benefits of average 60 g/d almond consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in the same population. We hypothesize that consumption of ~60 g/d almonds for 3 mo will improve glucoregulation, adipokine regulation, inflammation, endothelial function, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. We design a randomized, cross‐over, placebo controlled clinical trial with all meals being provided to all subjects. During the 2‐wk run‐in period, subjects will receive a control diet resembling typical Taiwanese diets, prepared based on the NCEP Step 2 guidelines. Subsequently, subjects will be randomized to receive either the control diet or the control diet with whole almonds incorporated to replace 20% calories. After a 2‐wk washout, subjects will receive the alternate diet for the other 3 mo. Biochemical biomarkers will include lipid profile, HbA1c, glucose, insulin, nitric oxide, e‐selectin, endothelial‐1, and intracellular adhesion molecule‐1, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin, hsCRP, IL‐6, IL‐10, retinol binding protein‐4, TNF‐α, oxidized LDL, and protein carbonyls in fasting serum, oral glucose tolerance test, brachial artery flow mediated dilation, and urinary isoprostanes. Grant Funding Source : Supported by Almond Board of California and USDA