Almond-rich diet could help prevent diabetes

Published on Wednesday 29 December 2010 16:16

Eating almonds could help prevent diabetes and heart disease, according to a new study.

The research found incorporating the nuts into our diets may help treat type 2 diabetes, which accounts for nine out of ten cases.

As well as combating the condition, linked to obesity and physical inactivity, it could tackle cardiovascular disease, the report published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition said.

Diabetes is one of the fastest- growing diseases in the world, and sufferers have a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use the hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and over time damage vital organs.

The study found consuming a diet rich in almonds may help improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol levels in those with prediabetes, a condition in which people have blood glucose levels higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

About 60 million people in Europe have prediabetes. People with the condition have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and strokes.