The Benefits of Eating Nuts for Diabetes Patients

A study conducted at the University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital involved over one hundred participants with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin, to assess the impact of nut consumption on HbA1c levels and blood lipid levels – two important indicators of cardiovascular health.

Participants were randomly divided into three groups, each receiving a different diet for three months. The first group received approximately 70 grams of a nut mix per day, the second group received about 30 grams of a nut mix and half a whole grain muffin per day, and the third group received a whole grain muffin per day.

The study found that despite all three diets having the same number of calories, the first group, which consumed more nuts, ingested more healthy fats and fewer carbohydrates.

Thus, eating about 70 grams of nuts daily instead of carbohydrates improves health and provides further evidence of the positive impact of consuming healthy fats for people with type 2 diabetes, as nuts are a good source of unsaturated fats that are unprocessed and from a natural origin. The nuts consumed by study participants included almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. While cashews are higher in carbohydrates, the others are low in carbohydrates.

Dr. David Jenkins, the study lead, noted that "the findings revealed that the group given 70 grams of nut mix showed a significant reduction in HbA1c values compared to the other two groups. Also observed were lower levels of LDL cholesterol – the 'bad' cholesterol which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases." Dr. Cyril Kendall, a member of the research team, added, "The improvement in blood sugar and lipid levels attainable through dietary and lifestyle changes is significant and can be an important contribution to the management of type 2 diabetes. Nuts are a healthy and tasty option for people with type 2 diabetes who want to reach a healthy weight."

According to Einat Mazor Bakar, a clinical dietitian at the DMC Diabetes and Obesity Treatment Center: "It can be concluded that nuts are a preferred choice in a low-carb diet plan, helping people with type 2 diabetes enjoy eating healthy fats, succeed in improving blood sugar balance, and also lose weight. Emphasizing healthy eating that combines the principle of carbohydrate reduction alongside the addition of unsaturated fats found in nuts, as well as in olive oil, avocado, and *tahini*, can help people with type 2 diabetes potentially achieve diabetes remission. In terms of carbohydrate, fat, and protein amounts in the diet – recommendations vary depending on several personal factors; therefore, it is recommended to meet with a dietitian to create a personalized diet plan using a sugar holter.

Einat Mazor Bakar is a clinical dietitian at the DMC Center.