Could cutting ultra-processed foods prevent diabetes? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT05358171
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how eating a lot of ultra-processed foods (like packaged snacks and sugary drinks) affects blood sugar control and gut bacteria in adults aged 45 to 65. Twenty participants followed either a high-UPF or no-UPF diet for six weeks. The goal was to see if these foods impair insulin sensitivity and glucose control, which could lead to type 2 diabetes. This is a small, early-stage trial meant to guide future, larger studies.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- controlled diets (high ultra-processed food vs. no ultra-processed food)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward dietary guidelines to reduce type 2 diabetes risk in middle-aged adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early proof-of-concept study with only 20 participants. Results may not apply to the general population, and the diets are tightly controlled, so real-world effects could differ.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2023
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
40 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Weight stable for previous 6 months * Sedentary to recreationally active * No plans to gain/lose weight or change physical activity level * Willing to pick up food daily and consume foods provided for an 8-week period * Verbal and written informed consent * Approval by Medical Director * Estrogen or testosterone usage is acceptable, if on stable dose for \>6 months Exclusion Criteria: * BMI \>35 kg/m2 * Diabetes or diabetes medication * Antibiotic, prebiotic or prebiotic use in prior 3 months * TCHOL \>6.2 mmol/L; TG \>4.5 mmol/L * Blood pressure (BP) \> 159/99 mmHg (Stable BP on antihypertensive medications used for \>6 months is acceptable) * Diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease * Past or current heart diseases, stroke, respiratory disease, endocrine or metabolic disease, or hematological-oncological disease * Vegetarian or vegan * Pregnant or plans to become pregnant * Food allergies or aversions * 3 or fewer stools per week or regular laxative use
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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