(P11-003-25) Blueberries for Cardiometabolic and Cognitive Health in Middle-Aged Females With Prediabetes: A Protocol for a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Objectives: In the U.S., 35.3 million adults have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 96 million have prediabetes which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment by 80 and 50%, respectively. Dietary changes such as consuming fiber- and phytochemical-rich foods including wild blueberries, are key to managing blood glucose levels. While blueberry benefits have been studied in various groups, their effects in women with prediabetes remain unclear. This pilot study aims to assess the impact of wild blueberries on cardiometabolic and cognitive parameters in this population.

Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study will include a total of 24 females, 45 - 65 years of age, with prediabetes (fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels: 100-125 mg/dL and/or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C): 5.7-6.4%, and a BMI between 25-30 kg/m². They will consume either 22 g of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder (equivalent to 1 cup of fresh blueberries) or 22 g of a macronutrient-matched placebo powder for six weeks. Adherence to dietary intervention will be assessed through weekly supplement compliance records. Measurements will be conducted over two visits at baseline and week 6. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (DEXA), 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, endothelial function (EndoPAT 2000), arterial stiffness (SphygmoCor), and microvascular function (Laser Doppler) assessment will occur on day 1 of each visit under fasting conditions while cognitive function will be assessed on day 2 under fed conditions using NIH Toolboxv.3, Rey Auditory Learning Test, and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. Blood will also be collected on day 1 of each visit for evaluation of FBG (primary outcome), A1C, lipid profile, and markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: The present study has been approved by the Georgia State University Human Research Protection Program (H24123). To our knowledge, this will be the first study examining the cardiometabolic and cognitive benefits of daily consumption of wild blueberries in middle-aged females with prediabetes.

Funding Sources: Georgia State University Brains & Behavior Seed Grant & Wild Blueberry Association of North America