Dark Chocolate and Glucose Levels in Diabetes

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: Diabetes is a growing concern in the world with an estimated 9.3% of adults, ages 20-79, with it in 2019, type 2 diabetes accounting for 90% of this total. A common recommendation for individuals with diabetes is to limit sugars and sweets as it may cause a high blood glucose response. As a result, chocolate is often avoided due to the sugar content; though, high-polyphenol chocolate may have a beneficial effect on hyperglycaemia and vascular function. The sugar-free chocolate from Ross Chocolates is formulated with a blend of inulin, erythritol, and stevia. These alternatives to sugar are not expected to cause a significant change in blood glucose levels following consumption. The main objective of this study is to verify glucose levels before and after consumption of Ross Chocolates' blend of sweeteners dark chocolate and conventional chocolate in people with diabetes.

Detailed Description: Individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (10 participants each) will consume a Ross Chocolate or conventional sugar-sweetened dark chocolate bar on two occasions in a randomized crossover trial. Blood glucose levels will be measured by finger prick for 120 minutes after consumption to determine postprandial glucose excursions after consumption of each type of chocolate bar.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial was converted to be completed remotely/virtually with participants completing the testing at their home under the supervision of a research team member who will describe the study procedures and monitor testing via video conferencing.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

physician-diagnosed T1D or T2D of ≥1 year;
current HbA1c of 6.5-8.5%;
BMI: 25-40 kg/m2;
blood pressure of <160/99 mm Hg assessed according to guidelines;
non-smoking;
not on hormone replacement therapy, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory medications;
18-75 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Are taking more than 2 glucose lowering medications;
Are ongoing medical treatment for diseases such as cancer, auto-immune or inflammatory disease, liver or kidney disorders;
Have allergy, intolerance or aversion to cocoa, stevia, erythritol, inulin, or any other dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan) that will prevent them from following the standardized study diets;
Are unable to follow remote guidance by internet or smartphone;
Are unable to follow the controlled diet instructions;
Are unable to read or communicate in English.

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Conventional Dark Chocolate	Dark chocolate	A standard dark chocolate bar.
Ross Dark Chocolate	Dark chocolate	A dark chocolate bar sweetened with stevia, erythritol, and inulin.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Blood Glucose Incremental Area Under the Curve	0 and 120 min after consumption of chocolate bar	A self-monitoring blood glucose device (OneTouch Verio IQ® kit Blood glucose monitoring system) will be used to measure blood glucose levels before and after consumption of chocolates. Incremental area under the curve will calculate the glucose above baseline fasting values across 120 minutes.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Peak Blood Glucose Concentration	0 and 120 minutes after consumption of chocolate bar	Highest blood glucose value measured after consumption of the chocolate bar
Peak Blood Glucose Concentration Above Baseline	Throughout study completion: 0-120 minutes after consumption of chocolate bar	Highest blood glucose value above fasting baseline after consumption of the chocolate bar
Blood Glucose	0 and 120 minutes	A self-monitoring blood glucose device (OneTouch Verio IQ® kit Blood glucose monitoring system) will be used to measure blood glucose levels before and after consumption of chocolates. Total area under the curve will calculate the glucose above zero across 120 minutes.