Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 to 65

Comparing lean pork and plant-based protein diets for prediabetic adults

Official title: Effects of Lean Pork Loin Intake on Protein Homeostasis and Glucose Regulation in Prediabetic Adults

Run by University of Arkansas · NCT06025292 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether eating lean pork or plant-based protein helps adults with prediabetes manage their blood sugar and build muscle better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Arkansas
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation, prednisone
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 11, 2024
Main results expectedMarch 30, 2027
Study endsAugust 31, 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT06025292 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are males and females aged 40-60 years with a BMI between 25 and 40 and an HbA1c level between 5.7 and 6.4%.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not consume animal protein or have certain health conditions, such as chronic inflammatory diseases or recent cancer treatments, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study compares the effects of a high-quality protein diet primarily consisting of lean pork loin against a lower-quality plant-based protein diet in adults with prediabetes. It aims to assess how these dietary interventions influence muscle protein synthesis, whole-body protein turnover, and glucose regulation. Participants will be monitored over a four-day meal period while adhering to specific dietary restrictions. The study focuses on understanding the role of protein quality in managing prediabetes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary recommendations that improve glucose regulation and protein metabolism in prediabetic individuals.

How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into protein quality and its effects on health, this specific comparison of lean pork versus plant-based protein in prediabetic adults is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Males and females ages 40-65 years.
* 2\. BMI 25 to ≤40 kg/m2 (or body fat % ≥25% in males or ≥36% in females)
* 3\. Capable of providing informed consent.
* 4\. COVID-19 negative and/or asymptomatic.
* 5\. Willing to abstain from drinking alcohol or consuming marijuana and CBD products during the 4-day study meal period
* 6\. HbA1c: 5.7-6.4% or fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Participant who does not/will not eat animal protein sources.
* 2\. Allergy to wheat, soy, or common ingredients in plant-based protein products.
* 3\. Body mass index \<25 kg/m2 or \>40 kg/m2.
* 4\. Hemoglobin \<10g/dL at screening.
* 5\. Platelets \<150,000/uL at screening.
* 6\. History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer in the 6 months prior to enrollment.
* 7\. History of gastrointestinal bypass/reduction surgery.
* 8\. Pregnant or lactating individuals.
* 9\. History of a chronic inflammatory disease (e.g. Lupus, Crohn's disease)
* 10\. Currently receiving androgen (e.g., testosterone) or anabolic (e.g., GH, IGF-I) therapy.
* 11\. Currently using prescription blood thinning medications.
* 12\. Currently using corticosteroid medications (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, etc.).
* 13\. Unable or unwilling to suspend aspirin use for 7 days prior to Visit 3 and Visit 7.
* 14\. Unwilling to avoid using protein or amino-acid supplements during participation.
* 15\. Unwilling to fast overnight.
* 16\. Unwilling to avoid alcohol, marijuana and CBD products for the four study days.
* 17\. Participants on glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1-RA) medications for \<1 month or with less than one treatment dose (injection) every two weeks

Where it's running

  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
    Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: David Church, PhD — University of Arkansas
  • Study coordinator: David Church, PhD
  • Email: dchurch@uams.edu
  • Phone: 501-526-5769

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.