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

avocado convo bug

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.

As you know, 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 management 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 clients know the difference.

Natural Sugar vs Added Sugar

Quick Guide: Natural vs. Added Sugars

Help your clients know the difference.

Share this guide with clients at risk for or living with type 2 diabetes, to support them toward healthy eating habits, reducing added sugar intake and enjoying recipes that skip the added sugar without sacrificing sweetness.

Download Quick Guide

Quick Ways to Start the Conversation

Healthy eating patterns associated with improved type 2 diabetes outcomes include plenty of fruits and vegetables and unsaturated fats. As you collaborate with clients on making diet-related changes, this collection of free resources can support them on their journey toward blood sugar targets.

fresh-avocado

fresh-avocado

Nutrition Resource

The Fuss Over Fiber

fresh-avocado

Type 2 Diabetes Mini Cookbook

Toolkit

Type 2 Diabetes Mini Cookbook

Packed with delicious, diabetes-friendly 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 →

Cheesy Avocado Flatbread with Mushrooms

Cheesy Avocado Flatbread with Mushrooms

View Recipe →

Key Health Benefits of Avocados for Diabetes Management

Healthy eating, including a greater intake of fruits and vegetables, is a cornerstone of diabetes risk reduction and management. Avocados are sugar-free and offer several other nutritional benefits.

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

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Fiber slows down food digestion, which prevents rapid rises in blood glucose following a meal. Avocados are a good source of dietary fiber.

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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 associations between avocado intake and glycemia, these resources provide valuable insights to support your approach to type 2 diabetes care. Explore the latest evidence and practical tools to help you confidently incorporate the benefits of nutrient-dense avocados into your recommendations.