Press Release

March 6, 2006
Contact: Kaylyn Kendall Dines
Phone: (973) 972-3000
dineskd@umdnj.edu

UMDNJ Researchers Seek Participants for Study on Almonds and Pre-Diabetes

NEWARK—Can eating almonds prevent or delay the onset of diabetes? That is the focus of a randomized study at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Adults over age 40 are invited to participate.

An expert from The Institute for Nutrition Interventions at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions and an endocrinologist at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School are conducting this 16-week study to determine whether a combination of eating almonds, making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

UMDNJ was awarded $212,000 from the Almond Board of California to conduct "The Metabolic Effects of Almonds in Patients with Pre-Diabetes" study with 120 men and women. Researchers will also determine if almond consumption can decrease heart diseases.

"We designed this study to examine whether diabetes can be prevented or delayed when 20 percent of an individual's calories are derived from almonds," said Dr. Michelle Wein, principal investigator of the study and assistant professor of graduate programs in clinical nutrition at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions in Newark. Research shows lifestyle modification can positively impact health outcomes for people who are at-risk for diabetes and we would like to find interventions to decrease their risk."

Men and women over 40, who have a family medical history that includes diabetes, may be eligible for the study. A drop of blood will be taken by finger stick to screen blood sugar levels. Approximately two tablespoons of blood will be drawn from each participant to check cholesterol and sugar levels during three of the five study visits. Researchers will monitor and analyze blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the study to determine improvements in each participant’s health status.

"As a society, we're mobile and we're wired," said endocrinologist Dr. David Bleich, associate professor of medicine at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark. "Many of us don't have to walk out of the house to pick up the newspaper or go to the library. We eat more fast foods and processed foods than ever."

"Study participants will learn that small changes, such as leaving a small portion of every meal uneaten or reducing portion sizes, can lead to dramatic improvements in obesity and diabetes. If we adopt these ideas, we can begin to shift the pendulum towards healthier lifestyles and better health outcomes."

All individuals who enroll in the study will receive nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions five times during the 16-week study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group one, the almond group, will be given suggestions for caloric intake and will eat almonds daily. Group two will receive nutrition counseling throughout the study, but won’t consume almonds.

A stipend of $200, which includes five $10 travel vouchers, will be provided for each participant. For more information, contact Dr. Wien at (973) 972-9487 or wienma@umdnj.edu.