Beating prediabetes study

About the beating prediabetes study

Obesity and diabetes are epidemic in New Zealand and in other Western countries. Many individuals now have problems maintaining their blood sugar levels within normal levels.

Certain foods and drinks, including berries, teas and some vegetables have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. This may be due to the high levels of antioxidants that are present in these foods, or other substances such as inorganic nitrate.

The effects of New Zealand beetroot and blackcurrant juices on blood sugar control have not been studied. This study aims to determine whether blood sugar levels in prediabetes can be improved following daily consumption of a beetroot or blackcurrant beverage.

Inclusion criteria

To apply to take part, you must:

• be 30 to 75 years of age
• have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 40.0 kg/m2
• have a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 41 to 49 mmol/mol
• have a fasting glucose level greater than 5.6 mmol/L
• be a non-smoker
• be able to communicate well in English.

You must not be:

• pregnant or breastfeeding
• allergic to beetroot or blackcurrant.

You will receive a $50 koha (gift) to thank you and reimburse your travel costs for the study.

Register your interest

If you’re interested in taking part, please email Cameron Haswell at c.haswell@massey.ac.nz.

Withdrawing from the study

You can withdraw from the study at any time and will be compensated according to the number of visits made. You are welcome to discuss any concerns you have with the research team at any time, and you have free access to your data. If you withdraw from the study all of the data that was related to you will be shredded.

The treatment intervention (beetroot and blackcurrant juices) will not be available to any participant after the study.

The study data will be stored at a secure location at Massey University Albany Campus. Electronic data and records will be the responsibility of the Principal investigator. All data will be kept for 10 years, at which point it will be destroyed using University Security methods for removal of confidential material.

It is very likely that the results of this study will be written up for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and/or presentation and a scientific conference within 12 months of completing the study. If this happens no identifying information will be included.