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Almond consumption reduces diastolic blood pressure in men with type 2 diabetes
Author(s) -
Petersen Katherine N,
Ricklefs Kristin,
Alanbagy Samer S,
Johnston Carol S,
Sweazea Karen L
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.lb422
Subject(s) - medicine , type 2 diabetes , blood pressure , ingestion , diabetes mellitus , randomized controlled trial , physiology , sex hormone binding globulin , endocrinology , type 2 diabetes mellitus , hormone , androgen
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects approximately 7.3% of Americans, leading to debilitating and life‐threatening comorbidities. Estrogen and testosterone concentrations have been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, as well as glucose and insulin concentrations. The phytoestrogen content of almonds may lead to estrogenic activity. The present study will investigate the link between sex hormone concentrations and phytoestrogen exposure related to daily almond ingestion among subjects with T2D. Subjects were randomized to an intervention group, which received 1.5 oz. almonds daily for 12 weeks or to the control group, which maintained their current diet. In addition to hormone measurements, change in diabetic and cardiovascular biomarkers will be examined. To date, 12 participants have completed the intervention, 5 almond and 7 controls. Preliminary results suggest that gender may impact the change in biomarkers. In men only, a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure was observed for the almond group versus controls (−8% vs. 4%, p=0.021). Although not statistically significant, almond ingestion appears to favorably impact hemoglobin A1c in women but not men. Enrollment continues in the trial through March 2013. This trial will provide further evidence regarding the efficacy of daily almond ingestion for managing the diabetic condition. This study was funded by The Almond Board of California.