BATON ROUGE, La. -- A Louisiana-based research team is investigating whether eating one avocado a day can help adults with type 2 diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center are conducting a study to examine how avocados affect glucose control and metabolism in people living with type 2 diabetes. The study focuses on the fruit's unique combination of nutrients, including healthy fats and fiber, and whether those characteristics can lead to improved health outcomes compared with other fruits and vegetables.
"Avocados are a unique and interesting fruit that have a different macronutrient and fiber profile than other fruits and vegetables," said Dr. John Apolzan, who is leading the study. "We want to see if people can maintain fruit and vegetable intake while having different overall health outcomes."
The study tracks how participants' bodies process sugar over time. Volunteers receive all of their meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — during two separate five-week study periods, with a two-week break between them. Every meal is carefully prepared and measured by researchers.
Throughout the study, participants wear continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), allowing researchers to track blood sugar levels in real time and evaluate how different dietary patterns affect glucose control.
"We look at meal timing, when participants are given the avocado, as well as the macronutrient profile and fiber intake of the avocado versus other fruits and vegetables, and how it affects glycemic control and glucose metabolism," Apolzan said.
About 40 people have already enrolled in the study, but researchers say they still need roughly 10 more participants to complete enrollment.
In addition to contributing to diabetes research, participants receive all meals at no cost and may qualify for a $1,000 stipend for taking part in the study.
Researchers say the project could provide valuable information about how CGMs can be used to better understand the relationship between diet and blood sugar management.
"CGMs are being used more and more," Apolzan said. "This study will provide a lot of data on how to utilize CGMs in the future and how different dietary patterns can affect glucose control and help individuals looking at those outcomes."
The research team hopes the findings could eventually help inform dietary recommendations for people living with type 2 diabetes.
Participation in the study is expected to last three to four months. Those interested in learning more can contact Pennington Biomedical Research Center for additional information.
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