Investigation of PJ vs. Sugar on Glucose Levels in Healthy and Prediabetic Subjects

Pomegranate fruits and products, including juice, tea, wine and extracts are widely consumed and recognized for their health benefits. Pomegranate fruit possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. The effects of pomegranate on type 2 diabetic (T2DM) conditions have previously been reported. Although 8 oz. of Pom juice (PJ) contains 36.9 g of sugar, 12-week PomJ supplementation did not change plasma advanced glycated end-products, fasting glucose and HbA1C, but reduced lipid peroxidation in T2D subjects. Additionally, acute PJ consumption has been shown to lower postprandial glycemic response of a meal with high glycemic index (GI) and lower fasting blood glucose, and long-term PomJ consumption did not worsen diabetic markers. However, a large knowledge gap still exists regarding the form of sugars in PJ and the hormonal responses to PJ consumption in different physiological conditions. Therefore currently the consumption of PJ is not recommended for individuals with T2DM. This clinical study will focus on the short-term effects of PJ consumption on different diabetic variables to further evaluate the health benefits of PJ for T2DM.