Better diabetes management is greatly facilitated by dietary interventions. A Recent study by Misra et al published in the ‘European Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ explored the beneficial effect of dietary intervention of preloading major meals with almonds in participants with prediabetes. The study included two phases: an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-based crossover randomized control study, the effect of a single premeal almond load (20 g) given before OGTT was evaluated (n = 60, 30 each period and the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)-based study for 3 days including premeal almond load before three major meals was a free-living, open-labeled, crossover randomized control trial, where control and premeal almond load diets were compared for glycemic control (n = 60, 30 in each period).

      In the OGTT-based study phase, the overall AUC for blood glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, and plasma glucagon post-75 g oral glucose load was significantly lower for treatment vs. control diet. CGMS data showed that premeal almond load significantly improved 24-glucose variability. Daily glycemic control improved considerably as per the following: mean 24-h blood glucose concentration (M), time spent above 140 mg/dL of blood glucose, together with the corresponding AUC values. Premeal almond load significantly decreased the overall hyperglycemia (glucose AUC), PPHG, peak 24-h glycemia, and minimum glucose level during the night.

      According to the researchers, incorporating 20 g of almonds, 30 minutes before each major meal is beneficial in decreasing PPHG, improving insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon levels, improving glucose variability, and improving glycemic parameters on CGMS in participants with prediabetes.