Potato-Rich Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

Overseen By Elaina Marinik, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Must not be taking: Diabetes meds, Antihypertensives

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Heart disease, Stroke, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a diet rich in whole white potatoes can improve heart health and manage type 2 diabetes in older adults. Researchers aim to determine if nutrients in potatoes, such as potassium and fiber, can be part of a healthy diet that reduces heart-related risks. Participants will follow either a potato-rich healthy dietary pattern or a typical Western diet for 12 weeks. The trial seeks individuals aged 50–70 with stable weight who do not plan major changes in diet or exercise habits. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential health benefits of potatoes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you can continue using estrogen, testosterone, lipid-lowering, and thyroid replacement medications if you've been on a stable dose for more than 6 months.

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

Research has shown that eating potatoes, especially fried ones, might increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Consuming more baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes is linked to a slight increase in diabetes risk. However, these studies focus on potential risks, not direct harm. Potatoes are generally safe to eat as part of a balanced diet and contain important nutrients like potassium and fiber, which benefit health.

In summary, while there is some concern about the risk of diabetes from eating many potatoes, they are not harmful when consumed in moderation. The safety of eating more potatoes is still under study, but current research does not indicate any major safety concerns for most people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the potato-rich dietary pattern for Type 2 Diabetes because it offers a fresh approach by using a whole-food-based intervention rather than medication. Unlike traditional treatments like metformin or insulin, this diet emphasizes the potential benefits of potatoes, which are high in fiber and nutrients, to help regulate blood sugar levels naturally. This approach could provide a more sustainable and less invasive option for managing diabetes, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for patients.

What evidence suggests that a potato-rich diet could be effective for type 2 diabetes?

This trial will compare a potato-rich healthy dietary pattern with a typical Western-style dietary pattern. Research suggests a potential link between potato consumption and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Some studies have shown that eating more potatoes, especially as french fries, is associated with an increased risk of T2D. One analysis found that consuming three servings of baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes a week could raise the risk of T2D by 4%. However, this risk may depend on potato preparation and overall diet. While potatoes contain nutrients beneficial for heart health, more research is needed to fully understand their impact on T2D. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Dennis Cladis, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 50-70 with Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. It aims to explore how a potato-rich diet affects their health compared to a typical Western-style diet. Participants should be interested in dietary interventions but not currently following any specific controlled diets.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing to pick up food daily and consume foods provided for a 14-week period

ADA-Risk Screener questionnaire score of at least 5

Verbal and written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

Food allergies or aversions to diet foods provided

Body mass index >40 m2/kg

I am not on weight loss or glucose-influencing medication.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Lead-in Diet

Participants follow a 2-week eucaloric lead-in diet to establish baseline dietary patterns

2 weeks

Treatment

Participants are provided and consume either a potato-rich healthy dietary pattern or a typical Western-style dietary pattern

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory biomarkers

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Potato-rich healthy dietary pattern

Trial Overview The study tests the impact of a healthy dietary pattern rich in whole white potatoes against a standard Western-style diet on cardiometabolic health in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and hypertension, aiming to inform future dietary guidelines.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Potato-rich healthy diet pattern Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Following a 2-week eucaloric lead-in diet, participants will be provided and consume a potato-rich healthy dietary pattern for 12 weeks.

Group II: Typical Western-style dietary pattern Active Control 1 Intervention

Following a 2-week eucaloric lead-in diet, participants will be provided and consume a typical Western-style dietary pattern for 12 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

162

Recruited

26,900+

Citations

1. bmj.com bmj.com/content/390/bmj-2024-082121

Total and specific potato intake and risk of type 2 diabetes In substitution analyses, replacing three servings weekly of potatoes with whole grains was estimated to lower T2D rates by 8% (95% CI 5% to 11 ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4764041/

Potato Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Greater consumption of potatoes, especially french fries, was associated with a higher T2D risk, independent of BMI and other risk factors.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07229482?term=diabetes

Potatoes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cardiometabolic Health Following a 2-week eucaloric lead-in diet, participants will be provided and consume a potato-rich healthy dietary pattern for 12 weeks. The intervention diet ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316624004012

Potato Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus A meta-analysis of 3 cohorts showed 4% higher risk of T2D for every 3 servings/wk of baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes (RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08) and 19% ...

5. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/jcem/article/110/4/e1068/7673656

Associations of Vegetable and Potato Intakes With Markers of ... Potatoes have been linked to a higher risk of T2D (4, 11), but these positive associations are likely influenced by preparation methods and underlying dietary ...

6. diabetesjournals.org diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/2/286/147965/Vegetable-but-Not-Potato-Intake-Is-Associated-With

Vegetable, but Not Potato, Intake Is Associated With a Lower ... Vegetable, but Not Potato, Intake Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Cohort Available.