Dietary Incorporation of Lentils to Improve Metabolic Health

Study Summary

Approximately 40% of Americans are pre-diabetic or diabetic, mostly in the form of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is heavily influenced by diet. Three interrelated factors driving the progression of T2D are large glycemic and lipidemic responses after a meal, consumption of excess calories, and increased fat within the abdominal compartment, referred to as visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Available research suggests that these problems may be attenuated with pulse consumption both at the time of consumption and at the next meal, in what is referred to as the second meal effect. Associations between pulse consumption and metabolic health have been measured in observational studies; unfortunately, randomized clinical trials data to establish cause and effect in humans are typically short in duration (≤ 4 weeks), limited to a single dose of pulse consumption (none exclusively for lentils), and not designed to strategically exploit the well-established second meal effect. We expect the impact of lentil intake will be greatest if consumed at the midday meal to offset the magnitude of the response to the large caloric intake typical in the evening. Our overarching hypothesis is that midday lentil consumption in individuals at greater risk for metabolically driven diseases will improve metabolic health. The purpose of this proposal is to determine whether eight weeks of 0, 300, or 600 grams per week of lentils by individuals with elevated VAT will improve insulin sensitivity, hepatic insulin resistance, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL lipoproteins), inflammation, appetite and satiety, body mass, body composition, and volume of VAT.

Primary Outcome

Blood glucose area under the curve during 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance (units = mmol/2 h)

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL Dietary Lentil Intake
• BEHAVIORAL No Dietary Lentil CONTROL