Quinoa to improve blood sugar control and lipids in early type 2 diabetes

Quinoa Improves Glycolipid Metabolism and Glucose Fluctuation Based on β-Cell Function in Early-stage Type 2 Diabetes

NA · Qilu Hospital of Shandong University · NCT07329231

This trial will try a quinoa-based diet to see if it improves blood sugar levels, reduces glucose swings, and helps lipid and insulin measures in adults with early-stage type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorQilu Hospital of Shandong University (other)
Locations1 site (Jinan, Shandong)
Trial IDNCT07329231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with early-stage type 2 diabetes (diagnosis <5 years, HbA1c 6.5%–10%, no prior insulin) are assigned to a quinoa-based dietary intervention that replaces traditional starchy foods and compared with a usual-diet control. The study tracks fasting and postprandial glucose, HbA1c, lipid panels, continuous glucose metrics (time in range/time above range), and measures of β-cell function and insulin resistance (HOMA-β, HOMA-IR). Outcomes will also include changes in oral hypoglycemic medication use. The intervention is delivered at a single center with regular follow-up visits for metabolic testing and dietary support.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 20–70 with early-stage T2DM diagnosed by 1999 WHO criteria, disease duration under 5 years, HbA1c 6.5%–10%, no history of insulin therapy, and no major acute or chronic exclusionary conditions are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with long-standing or insulin-dependent diabetes, major organ disease, pregnancy or planning pregnancy, quinoa/legume allergy, recent gastrointestinal illness, or active participation in other dietary/drug trials are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, a quinoa-based diet could improve blood glucose and lipid control, reduce glucose variability, support β-cell function, and potentially lower the need for medications.

How similar studies have performed: Small trials and observational studies of whole grains and quinoa-like grains suggest modest improvements in glycaemic and lipid markers, but large randomized trials specifically on quinoa are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

patients diagnosed according to the 1999 WHO diagnostic criteria for T2DM with a duration of less than 5 years HbA1c levels between 6.5% and 10% no history of insulin therapy age between 20 and 70 years. Exclusion Criteria: acute complications of diabetes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis severe acute or chronic conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, heart, cerebrovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, or acute infectious diseases pregnancy or plans for pregnancy soon allergies to quinoa or bean products participation in other dietary interventions or drug clinical trials within the past three months gastrointestinal diseases within two weeks prior to enrolment.

Where this trial is running

Jinan, Shandong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus, Quinoa Dietary Intervention, Glycaemic Fluctuations, Glycolipid metabolism

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.