Effects Of Nuts On Glycemic Control And Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors In Type 2 Diabetes

Background Nut consumption, including peanuts, has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). More recently, interest has grown in the potential value of nuts in diets of individuals with diabetes. Objective To determine if tree nuts and peanuts improve glycemic control and CHD risk factors in type 2 diabetes. Methods 117 subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomized to a 3-month parallel design study. Subjects were randomized to one of three treatments: 1) Test (Full Dose Nut Diet): 75g/d for 2,000kcal/d; 2) Test (Half Dose Nut Diet): half-dose of nuts and half-dose of control muffin; and 3) Control: whole wheat muffins matched with energy content of nut supplements. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 for markers of glycemic control and CHD risk factors. Results Compared to the control, the full dose nut supplement significantly lowered HbA1c (P=0.039), total-C (P=0.002), LDL-C (P=0.007), total-C:HDL-C (P=0.015), and LDL-C:HDL-C (P=0.028). The half-dose of nuts did not result in any significant improvements in glycemic control or blood lipids. Conclusions The addition of nuts to the diet improves glycemic control and reduces blood lipid CHD risk factors in type 2 diabetes. (Funded by Canada Research Chair Endowment; International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation; The Peanut Institute)