Mumbai, India 17 th February 2025 (TGN)– A groundbreaking study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has revealed that consuming a handful of roasted,unsalted pistachios (approximately30g) before meals can significantly slow the progression to diabetes in individuals with prediabetes.
The study,titled “Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Indian Adults with Prediabetes:A Randomized Controlled Trial,”wasrecently published in The Journal of Nutrition.It was led by Dr.V.Mohan,Chairman,Madras Diabetes Research Foundation,in collaboration with renowned researchers, including Dr.WalterWillett,Dr.FrankHu,and Dr.Shilpa N.Bhupathiraju from the Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health in the United States, as well as Dr. Jordi Salas-Salvadó from the Institute of the Investigació Sanitaria Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
India is home to 136 million adults with prediabetes and more than 101 million with diabetes, underscoring the urgent need for effective dietary interventions.
Dr. V. Mohan, said,“The 12-week clinical trial involving 120 prediabetic individuals, showed significant improvements in glycemic control,evidenced by reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels and lower post-meal blood glucose levels when participants consumed 30g pistachios before breakfast and dinner. Additionally, they observed reductions in weight,10% circumference,potentially
preventing the onset. of type2 diabetes.”
Dr.Shilpa N Bhupathiraju of Harvard T N Chan School of Public Health co-senior author of the study explained that incorporating pistachios as a premeal supplement reduces daily carbohydrate intake while increasing consumption of protein and healthy fats. Given that Indian diets often derive nearly half of the daily calories from refined grains like whiterice, replacing a portion of these carbohydrates with nutrient-densepistachios, rich in protein, healthy fats, and polyphenols, can improve overall dietary quality and lower disease risk.
Sumit Saran, In-Country Market Representative, American Pistachio Growers said, “India is a growth market for American pistachios.India has no commercial production of pistachios. American pistachios are now
easily available across the country with dry fruit and retailers and on major e-commerce platforms. They are packed and sold by multiple Indian brands.Consumers just have to search for California pistachios and choose the brand of their choice”
About the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation: Founded in 1996, the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF)is a leading diabetes research institute in India dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing effective strategies for diabetes prevention and management. MDRF collaborates with national and international organizations to conduct high-impact clinical and epidemiological research in metabolic health.
About American Pistachio Growers
American Pistachio Growers (APG) is a non-profit trade association representing pistachio growers in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. APG is committed to supporting scientific research on the health benefits of pistachios and promoting their role in a balanced diet worldwide.
