Study of Potato-rich Versus Western-style Diets on Cardiometabolic Health in Adults Aged 50 to 70 at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

What this Trial Is About

Type 2 diabetes T2D is a common chronic condition that raises the risk of heart disease, frailty, cognitive decline, and death. High blood pressure often occurs alongside T2D, further increasing cardiovascular risks, especially in adults aged 50 to 70. There is a critical need to find new ways to prevent T2D and improve heart and metabolic health in this age group. White potatoes are a nutrient-rich whole food that many Americans do not eat enough of, containing potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamins C and B6, and phytochemicals. These nutrients are linked to heart and metabolic health benefits, but few studies have tested how potatoes affect these outcomes, leaving a knowledge gap for dietary guidelines. In this randomized controlled study, participants first follow a 2-week diet designed to maintain their current weight. Then, they are assigned to one of two 12-week dietary patterns a potato-rich healthy diet or a typical Western-style diet. Both diets have similar calorie and macronutrient content, but the potato-rich diet includes whole white potatoes in various forms and scores higher on a healthy eating index. The Western diet is potato-free and scores lower on the healthy eating index. These diets are provided to participants to consume fully during the study. Participants, aged 50 to 70, are monitored before and after the dietary interventions with glucose tolerance tests, insulin sensitivity tests, 7-day glucose control measurements, and blood pressure checks. Blood samples are also taken to measure inflammatory markers. Researchers track changes from baseline to after the 12-week diet period to assess cardiometabolic effects. Participants will be involved throughout the 14-week study period, including the lead-in and intervention phases, with measurements conducted in laboratory and free-living settings.

Potatoes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiometabolic Health