NUTCRACKER
Research type
Research Study
Full title
NUTCRACKER: Can Almond Nut Consumption Improve Nocturnal Glycaemic Control in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus? A Randomised Controlled Trial
IRAS ID
325804
Contact name
Sara Lousie White
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) is a major public health issue, estimated to affect more than one in six births worldwide and is increasingly prevalent. The common disorder, characterised by high blood glucose, increases the risk of several pregnancy complications, most of which relate to the baby growing too large and include difficulties during labour. Also, there is an increased lifetime risk of the mother developing type 2 diabetes. Fasting high blood glucose is a challenge in managing gestational diabetes and is believed to reflect higher overnight glucose. High overnight glucose has been associated with large-for-gestational-age babies in women with gestational diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to snack at night than those with normal glucose levels, and bedtime snacking is associated with higher fasting glucose. However, the effect of snack quality on overnight glucose regulation remains an important knowledge gap. Existing research has found an association between almond consumption and improved glucose tolerance in non-pregnant adults, including those with type 2 diabetes. This study will test whether almonds as a night-time snack improve overnight glucose compared to a nut-free snack in women with gestational diabetes who regularly snack by collecting information about each pregnancy, glucose measures, and blood samples. The outcome of this work will be a novel approach to managing overnight high blood glucose using a simple, easily delivered almond-based dietary intervention, which could positively impact the health of women with gestational diabetes worldwide.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
24/ES/0053
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion