Effects of Pistachios on Cardiovascular Responses to Stress in Type 2 Diabetes

Effects of Pistachios on Cardiovascular Responses to Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: A Novel Intervention for a High Risk Population

This study is investigating the effects of three different diets, including a diet with pistachios, on cardiovascular disease risk markers in people with type 2 diabetes.

The study will last 12-16 weeks and requires 10-13 visits to the General Clinical Research Center on the University Park campus. All food and snacks will be provided for 10 weeks. At the end of each of three diet periods, participants will undergo a test of endothelial function, an oral glucose tolerance test, and a cardiovascular stress reactivity test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, nonsmoking adults, aged 30-75 years (women must be post-menopausal)
• Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insulin, more than one blood pressure lowering medication, daily aspirin, NSAID therapy, oral steroids within the last 6 weeks, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy
• Chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease or any complications of diabetes (retinopathy, neuropathy, etc).
• Allergies or aversions to pistachios
• Unwillingness to consume all foods provided and no other meals or snacks for the 10 weeks of diet intervention