Effects of Peas on Blood Glucose Control

Inclusion criteria

1. Generally healthy male or female, between the age of 18-40 years;

2. Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-34.5 kg/m2;

3. HbA1c <6.0%;

4. Willing to provide informed consent;

5. Willing/able to comply with the requirements of the study.

Exclusion criteria

1. Pregnant or lactating;

2. Medical history of diabetes mellitus, fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or use of insulin or oral medication to control blood sugar;

3. Medical history of cardiovascular disease

4. Systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg;

5. Fasting plasma total cholesterol >7.8 mmol/L;

6. Fasting plasma HDL <0.9 mmol/L;

7. Fasting plasma LDL >5.0 mmol/L;

8. Fasting plasma triglycerides >2.3 mmol/L;

9. A change in blood glucose concentration less than 1 mmol/L between baseline and 30 minutes after consumption of white bread at visit 1;

10. Maximum blood glucose concentration occurs after 60 minutes after consumption of white bread at visit 1;

11. Major surgery within the last 3 months;

12. Medical history of inflammatory disease (ie. Systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis) or use of any corticosteroid medications within 3 months;

13. Medical history of liver disease or liver dysfunction (defined as plasma AST or ALT ≥1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN));

14. Medical history of kidney disease or kidney dysfunction (defined as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine ≥ 1.8 times the ULN));

15. Presence of a gastrointestinal disorder, daily use of any stomach acid-lowering medications or laxatives (including fibre supplements) within the past month or antibiotic use with the past 6 weeks;

16. Active treatment for any type of cancer within 1 year prior to study start;

17. Other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that in the judgment of the principal Investigator may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow the intervention protocol;

18. Shift worker;

19. Tobacco use current or within the last 3 months;

20. Allergies to peas;

21. Aversion or unwillingness to eat study foods;

22. Consuming >4 servings of pulses per week;

23. Use of any prescription or non-prescription drug, herbal or nutritional supplement known to affect glycemia;

24. Participation in another clinical trial, current or in the past 4 weeks;

25. Unstable body weight (defined as >5% change in 3 months) or actively participating in a weight loss program.