Consuming Avocados May Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Consuming Avocados May Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Eating avocados has been found to potentially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study. The research suggests that avocado intake is associated with lower levels of fasting insulin. However, it is important to note that this correlation was weak, and when considering body mass index (BMI), the association became nonsignificant.

Significantly, the study also identified the presence of an "avocado intake biomarker" in certain individuals. This biomarker was found to be associated with lower fasting glucose, lower fasting insulin, and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These findings indicate that personalized metabolic profiling could be an effective approach in identifying foods that promote better health.

Metabolomics, which involves the study of metabolites and the chemical processes within the body, allows researchers to identify unique patterns associated with specific cellular processes. This, alongside the study of the microbiome, suggests that the metabolome and microbiome could play a key role in developing targeted and personalized interventions for improving health.

The study analyzed data from 6,220 adults aged 45 to 84 who participated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) conducted in the United States. Participants reported their avocado consumption along with 100 other foods from 47 food groups. Additionally, metabolomic profiles were obtained from fasting serum samples collected at the time of recruitment and were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance.

Dr. Jason Ng, a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, commented that metabolomics provides valuable insights into individuals' health issues and potential solutions in a more personalized manner.

By comparing the spectral features of participants' samples with the Human Metabolome Database, the researchers identified three spectra that closely corresponded to avocado intake. These spectra were determined to represent the same metabolite, CH2-lysyl, and the researchers calculated a mean value across the three spectra to establish a metabolic biomarker for avocado intake.

Importantly, this biomarker was strongly associated with reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, independent of confounding factors such as BMI, health behaviors, smoking, alcohol intake, sociodemographic factors, and adiposity. Interestingly, the study found that dysglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes may be influenced by changes in the microbiome.

Michelle Routhenstein, a cardiology dietitian, highlighted the potential of metabolomics to shed light on how diets impact cardiometabolic health, chronic disease management, and the regulation of blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional medical advice. It is always advisable to consult with a doctor or a dietitian before initiating any fitness program or making significant changes to your diet.