Effects of Consuming Almonds on Insulin Sensitivity and Other Cardiometabolic Health Markers in Adults With Prediabetes

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> This study was designed to assess the effects of replacing high-carbohydrate (CHO) foods with raw almonds on insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic health markers in overweight or obese adults with prediabetes.<b>Method:</b> This randomized crossover study consisted of two 6-week dietary intervention periods, separated by a ≥ 4-week washout. Subjects incorporated 1.5 oz of raw almonds twice daily or isocaloric CHO-based foods into their diets, with instructions to maintain body weight. Dietary intakes as well as insulin sensitivity, CHO metabolism indices, lipoprotein lipids and particles, and inflammatory markers were assessed.<b>Results:</b> Thirty-three subjects (17 male, 16 female), mean age 48.3 ± 2.2 years and body mass index 30.5 ± 0.7 kg/m², provided evaluable data. Compared to CHO, almonds resulted in significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.01) higher intakes of protein, fat (unsaturated fatty acids), fiber, and magnesium and significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001) lower intakes of CHO and sugars. No differences were observed between diet conditions for changes from baseline in the insulin sensitivity index from a short intravenous glucose tolerance test or other indices of glucose homeostasis. No significant differences were observed in biomarkers of cardiovascular risk except that the CHO intervention led to a shift toward a higher concentration of cholesterol in small, dense low-density lipoprotein subfraction 3+4 (LDL3 + 4) particles (<i>p</i> = 0.024 vs almonds).<b>Conclusions:</b> Intake of 3.0 oz/d raw almonds, vs energy-matched CHO foods, improved the dietary nutrient profile, but did not significantly affect insulin sensitivity and most markers of cardiometabolic health in overweight and obese men and women with prediabetes.