NCT07603739 · Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Eating Almonds Before a Meal to Control Blood Sugar
(NUTS)
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to learn whether eating a small serving of almonds before meals can improve blood sugar control in adults who have early signs of problems with blood sugar regulation. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does eating almonds before a meal reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating? 2.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to learn whether eating a small serving of almonds before meals can improve blood sugar control in adults who have early signs of problems with blood sugar regulation. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does eating almonds before a meal reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating? 2.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Premeal almond ingestion
Premeal almond ingestion (18 g; \~100 kcal) 30 minutes prior to meal
Primary outcome measures
Postprandial glucose assessed during acute meal test
Time frame: Days 1-4: -35 minutes, -5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 180 minutes relative to ingestion of premeal almonds at -30 minutes (if applicable) and the mixed meal tolerance test at 0 minutes.
The primary endpoint will be the difference in plasma glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) assessed via intravenous blood sampling over three hours following a standardized mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) with premeal ingestion of 18 g of almonds 30 minutes prior (MMTT+) compared to without (MMTT-). This effect will be averaged across the replicated acute challenge visits in the repeated crossover design.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 25-50 years
- Females over 40 years must have had a cycle in the last 6 months
- Body mass index (BMI) at least 18.5 and at most 55.0 kg/m2
- Impaired blood glucose by at least one of the following criteria:
- Fasting blood glucose at least 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) and less than 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L)
- HbA1c at least 5.7% and less than 6.5%
- Willing and able to comply with study foods
- Willing and able to ingest acetaminophen as part of study procedures
- Able to read, speak, and understand English
Exclusion criteria
- Weight change ≥5% in past 6 months, actively trying to lose weight, or unwilling to remain weight stable throughout the study based on self-report
- Recent history within past 12 months of medical provider-diagnosed cardiovascular, renal, or liver disease that required treatment
- Current or past diagnosis of cancer (except skin cancer) in the last 5 years
- Current or past diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Recent history within past 12 months of medical provider-diagnosed gastrointestinal or neurological disorders if not managed/stable for at least 3 months (with or without treatment)
- Recent history within past 12 months of medical provider-diagnosed psychiatric disorders including eating disorders or severe depression if not managed/stable for at least 3 months (with or without treatment)
- Food allergies or other reasons preventing consumption of study foods
- Any glucose-lowering medication except biguanides (e.g., Metformin) if stable for at least 3 months or incretins (i.e., GLP-1RA-based) if stable for at least 3 months
- Current smoking or vaping or history of smoking or vaping in the past 6 months
- Binge and/or heavy drinking (i.e., \>3 drinks on any given occasion and/or \>7 drinks/week)
- Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed in the next 3 months by self-report
Where
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations