Glutathione-rich Foods for Type 2 Diabetes

This research study is a randomized, controlled trial that will evaluate whether diet and nutrition education on, and short-term partial feeding of, specific plant foods high in the antioxidant glutathione will impact total glutathione status, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, glucose control or insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Dietary education will include information on plant sources of glutathione, as well as, cooking methods to reduce glycation and lipid peroxidation during cooking, which may indirectly alter glutathione status by reduce demand for elimination of these compounds. Participants will be randomized to one of two groups: the educational intervention plus partial feeding of two small meals per day vs. a wait list control group that will receive standard advice on nutrition for diabetes. After 12 weeks, the intervention group will no longer receive foods, but will be followed for 12 additional weeks to determine if lasting effects are achieved. After 12 weeks, the control group will receive access to the educational materials, but will not receive study foods, to see if the educational intervention alone impacts food/nutrition choices. Both groups will have lab measures (as described above) again after this additional 12 weeks, for a total duration of 24 weeks in the trial.

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women
• Ages 18 to 65
• Type 2 diabetes
• Free of self-reported acute and confounding chronic diseases (e.g., heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, gastrointestinal disorder) based on a standardized medical history questionnaire
• Free of alcoholism, smoking and major cardiovascular event with the past 6 months
• Not on insulin to help manage diabetes
• Planning on staying in the San Diego area for the next 6 months
• Willing to select plant-based foods from a "menu" and eat the selected foods provided by the study team
• Have access to the internet and a computer
• Willing to view 4 weekly educational classes online, followed by periodic telephone and email contacts
• Agree to schedule and complete periodic questionnaires and measurements during up to four total online appointments

Exclusion criteria

• Alcoholism, smoking and recent cardiovascular events
• Individuals will be excluded if they report any dietary restrictions, allergies or preferences
• Unsuitability based on screening visit