NCT07069855

Nutcracker: Can Almond Nut Consumption Improve Nocturnal Glycaemic Control in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Nutcracker: Can Almond Nut Consumption Improve Nocturnal Glycaemic Control in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus? A Randomised Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 156 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 16 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Gestational diabetes, affecting over one in six births globally, is a growing public health concern. Characterised by high blood glucose, it increases the risk of pregnancy complications and raises the mother's long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. Managing high fasting glucose, which reflects elevated overnight levels, is a key challenge. Night-time snacking-more common in women with gestational diabetes-is linked to higher fasting glucose, but the impact of snack quality is unclear. Almonds have been shown to improve glucose control in non-pregnant adults. This study will test whether almonds, as a night-time snack, can improve overnight glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Findings could support a simple, effective dietary strategy to improve outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.

Detailed description

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant and increasingly prevalent public health concern, affecting over one-sixth of births globally. A key challenge in its management is fasting hyperglycaemia, which may result from elevated nocturnal glucose concentrations. Nocturnal hyperglycaemia has been linked to an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age infants in women with GDM. These women are also more likely to snack at night, a behaviour associated with higher fasting glucose concentrations; however, the impact of snack quality on overnight glucose regulation remains unclear. Almond consumption has been shown to improve glycaemia in individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, potentially through mechanisms such as carbohydrate displacement and the beneficial effects of their nutrient profile, particularly magnesium and monounsaturated fats. Despite this, research in pregnant populations-especially those with GDM-is limited. This study will investigate whether consuming almonds as an evening snack for four weeks improves overnight glucose regulation in women with GDM. Participants will be randomised to receive either almonds or a nut-free, energy-matched control snack. Changes in glucose metabolism will be assessed to determine the potential role of almonds in dietary management of GDM.

Conditions

• Gestational Diabetes

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Almond Snack Intervention for Gestational Diabetes	This intervention involves daily consumption of 43 g of whole almonds, split into two portions (afternoon and evening), for 28 days in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes who habitually consume evening snacks.
OTHER	Control (placebo) group	This control involves the daily consumption of a nut-free snack (2 portions) that reflects a 'typical snack' choice among pregnant women with gestational diabetes. It serves as a comparison to assess the specific impact of almond-based evening snacking on overnight glucose regulation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-01
• Completion: 2025-10-01
• First posted: 2025-07-17
• Last updated: 2025-07-17