A groundbreaking study by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has revealed that consuming a small handful of roasted, unsalted pistachios (approximately 30g) before meals can substantially delay the onset of diabetes in people with prediabetes.
The study, titled “Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Asian Indian Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” was published in The Journal of Nutrition. Led by Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, the research involved prominent experts such as Dr. Walter Willett, Dr. Frank Hu, and Dr. Shilpa N. Bhupathiraju from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, alongside Dr. Jordi Salas-Salvadó from Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Spain.
Highlighting the urgent health crisis, India has a staggering 136 million adults with prediabetes and over 101 million diagnosed with diabetes, making effective dietary strategies like pistachio supplementation crucial in combating this growing issue.
Key Finding: The study revealed that regular consumption of pistachios before meals could serve as a practical and natural approach to reduce cardiometabolic risks and delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals already at risk.
This new evidence underscores the potential of simple dietary changes in managing prediabetes and reducing the burden of diabetes in India and worldwide.
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% reduction in triglycerides and waist circumference, potentially preventing the onset of type 2 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 white rice, replacing a portion of these carbohydrates with nutrient-dense pistachios, 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”
The findings from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation’s study on pistachios offer a promising dietary intervention to help prevent Type 2 diabetes in prediabetic individuals, a critical issue in India. With a significant portion of the population affected by prediabetes, this simple yet effective approach could play a pivotal role in managing the country’s growing diabetes epidemic.
In a related development, the study’s results were shared at the Mewa India 2025 exhibition, currently running at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai from February 12-15, 2025. The exhibition provides an ideal platform for further discussions on innovative health and wellness solutions, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases like diabetes.
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 (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.
