Actively Recruiting
Glycemic Effects of Substituting Pecans for Snacks Higher in Saturated Fat and Added Sugars in Individuals With Prediabetes
Led by Penn State University · Updated on 2026-05-27
147
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
P
Penn State University
Lead Sponsor
A
American Pecan Promotion Board
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the impact of replacing snacks higher in saturated fats and added sugars with pecans on blood sugar control, heart health, and diet quality in adults with prediabetes. This 16-week randomized controlled trial compares two groups to understand how pecan snacking affects these health factors in individuals aged 25 to 65 years who have prediabetes and meet specific health criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will replace their usual snacks with 1.5 ounces of pecans daily, while the other group will continue their habitual diet. Both groups will be followed for 16 weeks, with the pecan group receiving pecans and the usual diet group receiving a grocery voucher of similar value. Testing will occur at the start and end of the study period to measure changes. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including blood sugar tests (such as HbA1c), heart health evaluations, and dietary intake reviews at baseline and after 16 weeks. Researchers will monitor various health markers such as glucose levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and diet quality. The study aims to gather detailed information on how pecan snacking influences these outcomes, with safety and adherence closely observed during the 16-week participation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cardiometabolic Effects of Pecan Snacking in Prediabetes
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 25 to 65 years
- Prediabetes with HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% at screening
- Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 kg/m2 at screening
- Low usual nut consumption (less than 3.5 oz-equivalents per week)
- Regular consumption of snacks higher in saturated fat and/or added sugars
You will not qualify if you...
- LDL cholesterol 190 mg/dL or higher at screening
- Hemoglobin less than 13.2 g/dL at screening
- Fasting triglycerides over 350 mg/dL at screening
- Body weight changed by 10% or more in the past 6 months
- Blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg at screening
- Diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Use of anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, or glucose-lowering medications
- Use of supplements or over-the-counter medications affecting lipids, blood pressure, or glucose and unwilling to stop during the study
- History of liver, kidney, or autoimmune disease
- Prior cardiovascular event such as stroke or heart attack
- Current pregnancy or planning pregnancy within 12 months
- Breastfeeding within the past 6 months
- Allergy, intolerance, sensitivity, or dislike of pecans
- Unable or unwilling to eat 1.5 oz of pecans daily
- Antibiotic or oral steroid use within the past 4 weeks
- Use of tobacco or nicotine products in the past 6 months
- History of cancer in the past 10 years (except non-melanoma skin cancer without recurrence for 5 years)
- Participation in another clinical trial within 60 days
- Unwillingness to avoid other health-related research during the study
- Following a restricted or weight-loss diet
- Prior bariatric surgery
- Intake of more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week or unwillingness to avoid alcohol 48 hours before tests
- Weight less than 110 pounds
- Abnormal thyroid hormone levels or medication changes in the past 6 months
- Does not speak or understand English
- Unwilling to avoid donating blood or plasma during the study
- Investigator's judgment on ability to adhere to study requirements
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 16 weeks
Participants replace their usual snacks higher in saturated fat and added sugars with 1.5 oz/day of pecans or continue their habitual diet.
1 baseline visit and 1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, 16802
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristina Petersen, PhD
S
Stacey Meily
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here