RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Comparing a Healthy Beef-Centric Diet to a Healthy U.S.-Style Diet on Metabolic Health Outcomes in Pre-Diabetic Adults

Researchers are comparing two healthy eating plans to see how they affect people living with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. One diet is a beef-focused plan, where beef is the main protein source. The other is a healthy US-style diet, which includes a variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, but limits unhealthy fats and sugars. The study aims to find out if either diet can help lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and generally boost metabolic health over five weeks. They are also interested in how these diets might affect quality of life. This research could help people make better food choices for their health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff

Enrolment target

Start

10 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

03 Sep 2026

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)Inflammation Pre-Diabetes

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore how different healthy eating patterns might impact the health of adults who have pre-diabetes or a condition called metabolic syndrome. Both of these conditions mean your body isn't handling blood sugar and other metabolic processes as well as it should, which can increase your risk of more serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The researchers want to understand if specific dieta improve these health markers.

They're comparing two main diets. The first is a "healthy U.S.-style diet." This is similar to what many UK health guidelines suggest – eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, while trying to cut down on added sugars, unhealthy fats, and too much salt. The second diet is a "healthy beef-centric diet." As the name suggests, beef is the main food in this plan, making up most of the daily calories. It also includes other proteins and fats, with a small amount of low-carb fruits like berries and leafy greens, but no grains at all. This diet is low in carbohydrates, but not quite as strict as a ketogenic diet.

The goal of the study is to see if either of these diets can help people with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. They will specifically look at things like inflammation (how much swelling and irritation is happening in the body), blood sugar control, and cholesterol levels. They also want to know if these diets make people feel better and improve their overall quality of life. The findings could potentially offer new ways to manage these health conditions through diet.

Key takeaways

This study compares a beef-focused diet to a general healthy diet for pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
It aims to see which diet might improve blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol.
Participation involves following a specific diet for five weeks.
You'll have regular health check-ups and provide blood samples.
Your involvement could help us learn more about managing these conditions through diet.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 74 years old. Your weight should be within a certain range (measured by your BMI, a ratio of your weight to your height). You should also generally be in good health.

A key requirement is having pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome means you have at least three specific health concerns, such as a larger waistline, high blood fats (triglycerides), low 'good' cholesterol (HDL), high blood sugar, or high blood pressure.

You should also be someone who eats meat, including beef, regularly and doesn't smoke or use nicotine products. You'll need to be willing to stick to one of the study diets and keep your usual exercise and other routines fairly consistent throughout the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 74 years old?
Do you have pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome?
Do you regularly eat meat, including beef?
Are you able to follow a specific diet plan for five weeks?
Are you generally in good health?
Are you a non-smoker/non-nicotine user?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be randomly assigned to follow one of the two eating plans – either the beef-centric diet or the healthy U.S.-style diet. This assignment is like flipping a coin, so neither you nor the researchers choose which diet you get. You'll need to stick to this diet for five weeks.

Throughout the study, the research team will check your health regularly. This usually involves blood tests to measure things like inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. They'll also ask you about your general well-being and how you're feeling. They'll want to know if you're experiencing any changes related to your diet or health. The exact number of visits isn't specified, but you'll have ongoing contact with the study team. You'll need to follow specific dietary rules and restrictions for your assigned diet, and you might need to avoid certain medications or supplements unless approved by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might have some benefits, such as receiving close health monitoring and potentially improving your metabolic health if your assigned diet proves effective. You'll also be contributing to important research that could help others. However, there are potential risks, such as changes in your health due to the diet, which could include discomfort or unexpected effects, though the diets are designed to be healthy. Some people might find it challenging to stick to a new diet. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Apex Trials
Verified postcode
Guelph, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It's a warning sign that you're at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

How long does the study last?

The main part of the study involves following one of the diets for five weeks.

Will I know which diet I'm on?

Yes, you will know which diet you are asked to follow (either the beef-centric diet or the healthy U.S.-style diet).

Do I have to stop my current medications?

The study requires you to maintain consistent dietary habits, medication, and supplement intake. You should discuss all your current medications with the study team.

How to find out more

Adam Kuttenkeuler

akuttenkeuler@nutrasource.ca 519-341-3367 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.