Almond supplementation in the absence of dietary advice significantly reduces C-reactive protein in subjects with type 2 diabetes

Heart disease and stroke are primary causes of morbidity and mortality among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The objective of this 12-week randomized, parallel-arm controlled study was to determine if almond supplementation (1.5oz/d) without further diet instruction improves diabetic and cardiovascular risk markers in individuals with T2D (hemoglobin A1c between 6.5 and 9.0%) who were not taking insulin (. n=10) compared to matched controls who were instructed to maintain their customary diet (. n=11). Subjects in the almond-treated group tended to consume fewer carbohydrates (. p=0.073). There were no significant differences in biomarkers of glucose regulation or oxidative stress; however, the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein was significantly reduced in the almond-treated group versus controls (-1.2 vs. +4.33mg/L, p=0.029). Daily almond ingestion in the absence of other dietary or physical activity modification is beneficial in reducing inflammation in individuals with T2D. Funding was provided by The Almond Board of California.