Quinoa to improve blood sugar control and lipids in early type 2 diabetes
Official title: Quinoa Improves Glycolipid Metabolism and Glucose Fluctuation Based on β-Cell Function in Early-stage Type 2 Diabetes
Run by Qilu Hospital of Shandong University · NCT07329231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jinan, Shandong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07329231 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
Jinan, Shandong, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xiao K Tang
- Email: tangkx_ql@hotmail.com
- Phone: 008618560083053
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.