Intake of Pistachios as a Nighttime Snack Has Similar Effects on Short- and Longer-Term Glycemic Control Compared with Education to Consume 1-2 Carbohydrate Exchanges in Adults with Prediabetes: A 12-Wk Randomized Crossover Trial.

Riley TM, Kris-Etherton PM, Hart TL, Petersen KS.

J Nutr. 2024;154(4):1219-1231.

This study examined whether pistachios could help regulate glucose when used as a nighttime snack.

Sixty six adults with prediabetes were randomized to receive two ounces of pistachios as an evening snack or to have 15-30 grams of carbohydrates as an evening snack for 12 weeks. Results showed that in adults with prediabetes, consuming two ounces of pistachios as a nighttime snack increased diet quality but had similar effects on glycemic markers, lipids/lipoproteins, blood pressure, and vascular health compared with the usual care comparator. Pistachios may be a healthful alternative to carbohydrate-rich nighttime snacks to increase alignment with Dietary Guidelines for Americans in patients with prediabetes.