White Potatoes for Glycemic Responses

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Toronto Metropolitan University

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Gastrointestinal, Liver, Kidney, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 1 day per test meal

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how eating white potatoes at different times of the day affects blood sugar levels, feelings of fullness, and subsequent food intake. Researchers aim to determine if consuming potatoes for breakfast helps people feel fuller and eat less throughout the day compared to having them at dinner. The study will test different types of potatoes and cooking methods, such as oven-baked or fried, against a vegetable option and a meal without a side dish. Adults who are not on a diet, maintain a steady weight, and eat breakfast regularly might be suitable participants for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how dietary choices impact daily health and well-being.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications, but if your medication might affect the study's measures, you may not be eligible to participate.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that the health effects of potatoes depend on their preparation. Consuming deep-fried, fast-food fries three times a week can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20%. However, this risk does not appear to apply to baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes, suggesting that deep-frying might be the main issue rather than the potatoes themselves.

Studies have found less concern about increasing the risk of diabetes with oven-baked home fries and oven-baked fries compared to deep-fried versions. The effects of oven-baked potatoes, such as the white russet variety, can vary based on preparation. For instance, chilling and reheating potatoes can lower their impact on blood sugar levels.

Overall, baked and oven-prepared potatoes seem healthier than fried ones. These findings suggest that preparation plays a significant role in the health effects of potatoes. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about testing different forms of white potato consumption to understand their impact on glycemic responses. Unlike standard glycemic management practices, which typically involve medications or dietary restrictions, this trial explores everyday foods like deep-fried fries, oven-baked fries, and white russet potatoes. The unique angle here is seeing if these simple, accessible food modifications can offer a new way to manage blood sugar levels. By comparing these potato-based options to something like cauliflower tots or having no side at all, the study aims to uncover potentially easier, diet-based strategies for blood sugar management.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for glycemic response?

This trial will compare different potato preparations and their effects on blood sugar levels. Research has shown that cooking methods can alter potatoes' impact on blood sugar. Participants may receive oven-baked white Russet potatoes, which might be better for blood sugar than fried ones. Baking can lower the glycemic index, which measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar. Studies have found that deep-fried potatoes, like fast-food fries, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes due to their high glycemic index and added fats. In contrast, participants receiving oven-baked fries and home-cooked fries might experience less impact on blood sugar since these usually have less added fat. Overall, baked potatoes could be a healthier option for managing blood sugar compared to fried ones. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy adults interested in how eating white potatoes at different times affects blood sugar levels, hunger, and how much they eat later. People with eating disorders or other health issues that could affect the study's results can't join.

Inclusion Criteria

Within the healthy body weight range (body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2)

I am between 18 and 65 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Significant weight fluctuation in the past 6 months

I am on medication that could affect the study's measurements.

Currently on a diet within the past 6 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume one of six test meals in a randomized order, and glycemic response and subjective appetite are measured

1 day per test meal

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants' rest-of-day food intake and glycemic response are monitored

24 hours post-treatment consumption

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• White Potato Consumption

Trial Overview The study tests various potato dishes (like oven-baked fries and home fries) against non-potato sides to see their effects on blood sugar and appetite when eaten at breakfast or dinner. It aims to find out if potatoes can help control hunger and reduce food intake.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Oven-baked White Russet Potato Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Test Treatment

Group II: Oven-baked Home Fries Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Test Treatment

Group III: Oven-baked Fries Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Test Treatment

Group IV: Oven-baked Cauliflower Veggie Tots Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Test Treatment

Group V: No Side Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Test Treatment

Group VI: Deep Fried, Quick Serve Fries Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Test Treatment

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Toronto Metropolitan University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

95

Recruited

19,300+

Alliance for Potato Research and Education

Collaborator

Trials

16

Recruited

710+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07230951?lastUpdPost=2020-01-16_

Interaction Between White Potato Consumption and Meal ... The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interaction between white potato consumption and meal timing on glycemic response, subjective ...

2. advisory.com advisory.com/daily-briefing/2025/09/18/fry-diabetes

It's not potatoes that increase your diabetes risk Fried potatoes carry a higher glycemic index and contain added fats, sodium, and potentially harmful compounds from high-temperature cooking.

3. healthline.com healthline.com/health-news/french-fries-ultra-processed-foods-diabetes-risk

French Fries Linked to Higher Diabetes Risk ... Eating French fries three or more times a week is linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. An occasional serving of fries ...

4. scitechdaily.com scitechdaily.com/what-a-30-year-study-just-found-about-your-french-fries-and-diabetes/

What a 30-Year Study Just Found About Your French Fries ... French fries raise type 2 diabetes risk, but whole grains may help reduce it, according to a large Harvard study.

5. ajcn.nutrition.org ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)00287-8/fulltext

French-fried potato consumption and energy balance In meal tests, significantly lower post-prandial glucose and insulin responses to almonds compared with potatoes were observed (P = 0.046, P = 0.006, ...

6. everydayhealth.com everydayhealth.com/diabetes/study-links-fries-with-diabetes/

Study Links Fries, but Not Other Forms of Potato, With ... A new study suggests 3 weekly servings of french fries raises type 2 diabetes risk by 20 percent, but baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes ...

7. nbcnews.com nbcnews.com/health/health-news/french-fries-diabetes-risk-type-2-study-fast-food-potatoes-rcna222961

A salty twist: Diabetes risk study says french fries are a culprit Eating three weekly servings of french fries, they found, was associated with a 20% increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

8. foodandwine.com foodandwine.com/french-fries-diabetes-risk-harvard-study-11787894

Eating French Fries May Raise Diabetes Risk, Harvard ... The new study, published this week in The British Medical Journal, found that eating french fries three times a week was associated with a 20% ...

9. yahoo.com yahoo.com/news/articles/salty-twist-diabetes-risk-study-223000654.html

A salty twist: Diabetes risk study says french fries are a culprit Eating three weekly servings of french fries, they found, was associated with a 20% increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. But consuming the same ...