Regular avocado consumption was linked to a 28% lower risk of diabetes – C

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Regular avocado consumption was linked to a 28% lower risk of diabetes1.

Associations Between Avocado Intake and Lower Rates of Incident Type 2 Diabetes

Research Summary

  • Adults with Hispanic/Latino ancestry who consumed avocado were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not consume avocado at baseline, especially if they had prediabetes at baseline.

A study of over 6,000 Hispanic adults found that regular avocado consumption was linked to a 28% lower risk of diabetes for the overall study population. The Avocado Nutrition Center supported the research based on two 24-hour dietary recalls. The results suggest avocados may have a role in blood sugar management and promoting a healthy lifestyle that reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the findings are not causal and cannot be generalized to all populations.

Stable blood sugar levels support cardiovascular well-being. Unlike most other fruits, avocado contains zero grams of naturally occurring sugar per serving and does not affect the glycemic response. Learn more about the growing body of research on avocado’s role in type 2 diabetes risk reduction and cardiometabolic health by downloading the fact sheet.

1Wood, A.C., Mackenzie, S.K., et al. Associations between Avocado Intake and Lower Rates of Incident Type 2 Diabetes in US Adults with Hispanic/Latino Ancestry. Journal of Diabetes Mellitus. 2023.

Download Fact Sheet

t2d friendly meal with avocado

Quick Guide: Natural vs. Added Sugars

Help your patients know the difference.

Natural Sugar vs Added Sugar

Quick Guide: Natural vs. Added Sugars

Help your patients know the difference.

Understanding the difference between natural and added sugars plays an important role in diabetes management and cardiovascular health. Share this guide with patients to help them navigate these distinctions, offering practical insights and tips to support a balanced diet.

Download Quick Guide

Quick Ways to Start the Conversation

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease often go hand in hand, making it essential to take a holistic approach to health. This collection of free resources can support your patients on their journey toward diabetes management and cardiovascular well-being.

Heart Health Mini Cookbook

Nutrition Resource

Heart Health Mini Cookbook

The Avocado Advantage: A Toolkit for Heart-Healthy Living

3-Day Meal Planning Inspiration: Heart-Healthy Recipes

Type 2 Diabetes Mini Cookbook

Toolkit

Type 2 Diabetes Mini Cookbook: Smart for the Heart Recipes

When it comes to cardiovascular health and diabetes, what’s good for one is good for the other. Packed with delicious recipes, this mini cookbook highlights how simple ingredient swaps — like adding avocados for nutrients such as fiber and heart-healthy fats — can help keep blood sugar levels on target.

Download Cookbook

Toolkit

Get a sneak peek at the flavorful and nutritious recipes inside with these two standout dishes:

Avocado and Chicken Fajita Salad Bowl

Avocado and Chicken Fajita Salad Bowl

View Recipe →

Avocado Shakshuka

Avocado Shakshuka

View Recipe →

Key Cardiometabolic Benefits of Avocados

People living with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease, underscoring the impact of diet on both conditions. Avocados are heart-healthy, sugar-free and offer several other nutritional benefits that support metabolic and cardiovascular health.

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Avocados contain 4 grams of carbohydrate and don’t rapidly raise blood sugar.

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Diets rich in healthy foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Avocados contain 3 grams of fiber per one-third of a medium avocado and are a great fresh-fruit option to boost fiber intake.

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The American Diabetes Association recommends limiting saturated fats and eating good fats in moderation, like the good fats found in avocados.

Putting Science into Practice

From expert discussions on food as medicine to research on avocado intake and cardiometabolic risk factors, these resources provide valuable insights into the connection between nutrition, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Explore the latest evidence and practical tools to help you confidently incorporate the benefits of nutrient-dense avocados into your recommendations.