Eating just two cups of mango a day can help lower insulin concentrations and improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults with chronic low-grade inflammation, according to new research.

The study, conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology and published in Nutrients, brings a sweet and antioxidant-rich way for individuals to reduce their risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, in under roughly 100 calories. 

The study compared the consumption of fresh mangos to calorie-matched Italian ices in 48 adults aged 20-60, examining their effects on inflammation and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Those who ate mangoes saw a significant reduction in insulin resistance and improved blood sugar levels, and after four weeks, experienced significantly lower insulin concentrations compared to the beginning of the study. Those in the mango grouping also saw stable body composition, while the control group saw a “slight but significant increase in body weight,” researchers noted.

“Managing blood glucose isn’t just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it’s about improving insulin sensitivity,” noted Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition. “Our study suggests that adding fresh mangos to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.”

Additional findings showed that inflammation markers and glucose levels weren’t significantly different between the two groups, deeming mangos a “heart-healthy swap for calorically comparable sweet treats.” No differences were noted in terms of fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, according to the study.

“The improvement in insulin sensitivity in the mango group, without changes in body weight, is noteworthy – which counters misconceptions about mangos’ natural sugar content and impact on obesity and diabetes,” Edirisinghe added.  “These findings support previous research showing that eating mango does not lead to weight gain, and while the exact mechanism is still unknown, the role of improved antioxidant status from mango consumption may be the mediating factor on blood glucose control.”

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Understanding the unique needs of clients managing Type 2 Diabetes or pre-diabetes is essential for fostering an effective and empowering environment. Chronic conditions like diabetes bring unique challenges, and fitness professionals help support these clients on their health journeys. Drawing from L-Nutra Health’s Diabetes Etiquette Guide, Renee Fitton, MS, RD, Director of Education at L-Nutra, offered actionable insights for such fitness professional-client relationships.

Encouragement Over Criticism

For clients with diabetes, setbacks can sometimes feel magnified. Holidays, busy schedules, or even unexpected life events may disrupt routines. A positive approach can make all the difference.

“Instead of focusing on what went wrong, highlight what lies ahead,” Fitton told Athletech News. “Encourage clients to celebrate life’s moments while maintaining consistency in their routines. When setbacks happen, help them reset with achievable goals like adding a serving of non-starchy vegetables to their meals or committing to 30 minutes of activity per week. These small, manageable changes build confidence and momentum.”

Education and Collaboration

A foundational understanding of diabetes is critical for any fitness professional working with these clients. This includes learning the basics of how insulin functions, the impact of foods on blood sugar, and the importance of physical activity in diabetes management.

“Understanding the disease at a basic level allows fitness professionals to better relate to their clients and offer tailored guidance,” Fitton noted. “However, it’s equally important to know when to step back. Diabetes is a complex medical condition, and some decisions—especially around nutrition and treatment—should always be made with input from a healthcare professional.”

Fitton encouraged fitness professionals to build networks of registered dietitians and healthcare providers. “When you partner with trusted specialists, you ensure your clients receive the comprehensive care they need,” She said. “Referring clients to the right professionals demonstrates integrity and prioritizes their health, which ultimately strengthens their trust in you.”

Flexibility and Patience

Managing diabetes is not a linear process. Clients may experience fluctuations in energy, motivation, and health status, impacting their ability to stay consistent.

“Patience and adaptability are essential,” Fitton explained. “Your clients’ needs may vary week to week or even day to day. Adjust your approach to meet them where they are in their journey—whether that means modifying a workout or celebrating incremental progress, like sticking to a routine for a few weeks.”

This flexibility helps clients stay on track and reinforces a sense of trust and partnership between them and their fitness professionals.

Respecting Privacy

Respecting a client’s boundaries is crucial when discussing a sensitive health condition like diabetes. Fitton emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

“Clients may or may not feel comfortable sharing details about their condition or treatment plan,” said Fitton. “Always allow them to lead the conversation and avoid asking intrusive questions. Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space lets clients decide what they want to share.”

Promoting a Holistic Approach

While food and blood sugar management is central to diabetes care, focusing solely on these areas can be overwhelming for clients. Focusing on the broader benefits of a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

“Exercise is a powerful tool for managing diabetes—not just physically, but mentally as well,” Fitton shared. “Help clients see the bigger picture by incorporating movement into their daily lives and promoting overall well-being. A balanced approach that includes mindfulness, stress management, and physical activity can make diabetes management feel less daunting.”

Empowering Clients for Long-Term Success

The role of a fitness professional goes beyond guiding workouts to building trust, fostering confidence, and supporting clients. The L-Nutra Health’s Diabetes Etiquette Guide can help fitness professionals better understand how to navigate sensitive conversations and provide guidance.

“Empathy, education, and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective support,” said Fitton. “By prioritizing these principles, fitness professionals can help their clients feel empowered to take control of their health and celebrate even the smallest victories.”

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Over 500 million patients worldwide live with type 2 diabetes. Some studies project that the number of type 2 diabetics will grow to over 800 million by 2045, due to an aging population, urbanization, decreased physical activity, and increased obesity.

A new study in Value in Health found results that support the cost-effectiveness and health benefits of implementing a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD). The study observed participants who implemented the FMD for five days on a monthly basis for the first six months and every three months thereafter for five days each time.

The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a scientifically developed nutrition program designed to nourish the body with plant-based ingredients over a five-day period while avoiding the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways (NSPs). L-Nutra Health, a subsidiary of L-Nutra, has adapted the FMD into a Diabetes Regression and Remission Program (DRRP) aimed at helping people with type 2 diabetes manage the condition more effectively.

How FMD Targets Key Factors in Type 2 Diabetes

According to Dr. Will Hsu, Chief Medical Officer of L-Nutra Health, the FMD used in this program differs from other commercially available five-day FMDs by incorporating fewer carbohydrates and more fats, making it specifically tailored to support glucose management.

“The FMD promotes cellular rejuvenation by triggering autophagy, potentially improving pancreatic cell function and insulin production,” Dr. Hsu explained to Athletech News. Autophagy is the body’s natural process of removing and recycling damaged cells, which may aid in cellular renewal, including those responsible for insulin production in the pancreas.

“By targeting visceral fat loss while preserving muscle mass, the program aims to optimize glucose uptake and insulin signaling,” Dr. Hsu stated. The FMD may therefore help improve metabolic health by reducing unhealthy fat stores while maintaining muscle mass.

The FMD is also designed to enhance insulin sensitivity, one of the main challenges in managing type 2 diabetes. “The FMD is designed to enhance insulin sensitivity by improving glucose metabolism,” Dr. Hsu noted.

Study Results

The FMD was tested in a clinical study as part of the DRRP, which includes regular consultations with board-certified dietitians and medical oversight by a lifestyle medicine physician. The program involves following the five-day FMD once a month for six months, followed by maintenance for an additional six months.

According to Dr. Hsu, participants in the study experienced notable improvements, including an average HbA1c reduction of 1.4%, 22 pounds of weight loss, and a 59% reduction in insulin resistance. “A remarkable 67% of participants experienced a decrease in their diabetes medication use,” Dr. Hsu pointed out, suggesting that the FMD could be beneficial in reducing dependence on diabetes medications.

Economic and Quality of Life Findings

L-Nutra Health also conducted a long-term simulation to assess the broader economic and quality of life impacts of the FMD. “The study found that the program not only achieves substantial cost savings but also breaks even by the third year for the general diabetic population—and by the first year for high-cost diabetic patients,” Dr. Hsu explained. Integrating the FMD into diabetes management protocols may have significant financial benefits for healthcare systems, particularly for those treating high-cost patients.

The simulation also predicted improvements in overall quality of life. “Patients reported significant overall enhancements in health-related categories due to fewer medical interventions and a lower incidence of diabetes-related complications,” Dr. Hsu said. Participants gained an additional 0.211 quality-adjusted life years (approximately 77 quality-adjusted days) over the 10-year simulation period compared to those receiving standard care.

The FMD Beyond Diabetes

While the FMD has been adapted to support type 2 diabetes management, its potential benefits extend to the broader population as well. Some key potential benefits of the FMD for non-diabetics include improvements in metabolic health, fat-focused weight loss while preserving muscle mass, and enhanced mental clarity and energy levels. According to Dr. Hsu, “Just three cycles of the FMD per year may help reduce biological age by an average of 2.5 years, potentially turning back the clock on your body’s cellular age.”

The FMD suggests that it may offer a new approach to type 2 diabetes management, with potential benefits in terms of glucose control, medication reduction, and cost-effectiveness. Further research and clinical trials will help determine its broader application in healthcare settings.

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Researchers from ETH Zurich, in collaboration with several international institutions, have identified a new type of beige fat cell that may revolutionize the understanding and treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases like diabetes. 

This discovery, led by Professor Christian Wolfrum’s group at ETH Zurich, sheds light on how these fat cells, which are found in almost all humans, contribute to energy metabolism and overall health. The findings could help personal trainers inform their approaches to designing wellness programs. 

Beige Fat Cells: A New Hope in Metabolic Health

Fat cells have traditionally been categorized into three types: white, brown, and beige. While white fat cells store energy and brown fat cells generate heat, beige fat cells have been known to consume energy and produce heat, albeit less effectively than their brown counterparts. These beige cells are typically scattered throughout white adipose tissue in adults, particularly in the neck and shoulder regions, where they help regulate energy use.

The newly discovered class of beige fat cells functions differently from the previously known ones. Unlike the classic beige cells that produce heat through a protein called UCP1, the new cells utilize a process the researchers have dubbed the “Sisyphus mechanism.” 

This process involves seemingly futile biochemical cycles that break down fats and then immediately reconstruct them, or convert creatine into creatine phosphate and back again, generating heat and consuming energy without producing a net biochemical gain.

Applications for Program Design

This discovery presents a potential new avenue for developing more effective weight management and metabolic health strategies for clients. By understanding the role of beige fat cells in energy metabolism, trainers and coaches can design exercise programs and nutrition plans aimed at activating these cells. This could enhance clients’ fat-burning capabilities and improve overall metabolic health, making fitness regimens more tailored and effective. 

The research team first observed these new beige fat cells in mice and then confirmed their presence in human adipose tissue. Notably, while fewer than half of the population has the classic type of beige fat cells, almost everyone has this new type, though in varying amounts. Importantly, individuals with a higher number of these cells tend to be slimmer and have better metabolic health, making them less susceptible to obesity and related disorders.

“These beige fat cells play a crucial role in converting excess energy into heat, which helps in breaking down fat and improving overall metabolic health,” said Anand Sharma, a postdoctoral researcher in Wolfrum’s group and coauthor of the study. “Understanding how these cells work could open up new avenues for treating metabolic diseases.”

Future Medical Applications

The discovery could lead to significant advancements in medical treatments for obesity and diabetes. Potential applications include transplanting these beige fat cells into individuals with metabolic disorders or developing drugs to activate these cells in people where they are inactive. Such treatments could assist in maintaining lower body weight or managing high blood sugar levels, particularly in patients who have lost weight through surgery or other interventions.

“Activating beige fat cells could be a game-changer in helping people maintain a healthier body weight and reducing the risk of metabolic diseases,” said Tongtong Wang, an ETH doctoral student and lead author of the study.

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A recent study has shed new light on the best types of exercise for patients with type-1 diabetes. The research, which focused on optimizing training for diabetic patients, reveals significant gender-specific differences in how men and women with type 1 diabetes respond to various forms of aerobic exercise.

The findings emphasize the need for tailored exercise programs to avoid potentially dangerous drops in blood sugar levels, potentially informing personal training program design.

Key Insights from the Study

Dr. Pooya Soltani from Staffordshire University, a lead researcher in the study, explained the motivation behind the research: “Diabetic patients often lack motivation to exercise as a means of managing their condition. One reason for this is that physical activity can lead to blood sugar drops, causing discomfort and demotivation. We investigated whether the type of physical activity could mitigate these blood sugar drops.”

The study involved 19 participants with type 1 diabetes who underwent two randomized trials to measure their glycemic and cardiovascular responses after engaging in interval and continuous aerobic exercise. Both exercise types were performed for 30 minutes on a treadmill, with interval aerobic sessions alternating between 1-minute intervals at 40% and 60% of estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), while continuous exercise was maintained at 50% of VO2max.

The study’s results indicated that while cardiovascular responses, perceived exertion and enjoyment levels were similar across genders and exercise sessions, there were notable differences in blood glucose responses between male and female participants. 

Men experienced greater reductions in blood glucose levels immediately after and 20 minutes following continuous aerobic exercise, as well as after interval exercise. In contrast, women showed reduced blood glucose values only after continuous exercise.

“Our study showed that for male patients, interval exercise, such as short bursts of walking, is preferable when starting with low blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Jorge Luiz de Brito-Gomes, a co-author of the study. “Conversely, continuous exercise, like running, is more suitable for those with higher initial blood sugar levels. These approaches can help prevent sudden blood sugar drops.”

He added, “For female patients, both interval and continuous aerobic exercise appear to be effective starting points. We hope these findings show that gender-specific recommendations should be considered for aerobic exercise prescription, especially for men with irregular physical activity levels.”

While the findings appear promising, it’s important to acknowledge the study’s limitations, which includes a small sample size (only 19 participants), limiting the generalizability of the results. Also, the study primarily examined immediate and short-term responses to exercise, such as blood glucose levels 20 minutes post-exercise. It did not explore the long-term effects. Finally, the exercise sessions were conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, which may not fully replicate real-world exercise conditions where various factors could influence blood glucose responses. 

This study emphasizes the importance of considering gender-specific responses when designing exercise programs for clients with type-1 diabetes and suggests that workouts should account for differences in blood glucose responses between men and women, with close monitoring of glucose levels to prevent hypoglycemia. 

Study authors encouraged health practitioners to monitor each client’s response to exercise closely and adjust programs as needed. While the research focuses on immediate effects, it is important for trainers to also consider the long-term impact of regular exercise on diabetes management to ensure consistent and safe physical activity.

See also: Need for Personalized Nutrition Protocols for People on GLP-1 Medications

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Levels, a software startup co-founded in 2019 by longevity expert Dr. Casey Means, which uses artificial intelligence for meal monitoring and personalized insights based on biomarkers, has announced a $10 million Series A extension.

The round included $3 million in crowdfunding from over 2,000 investors and follows a $38 million Series A in 2022. Crowdfunding has been part of Levels’ mission as it grows, having previously raised $5 million of its Series A in a crowdfunding round that saw over 1,400 Levels members participate.

In addition to Dr. Means, the startup has other notable co-founders on board as it seeks to solve the metabolic health crisis, including former SpaceX and Hyperloop engineer Josh Clemente and David Flinner and Andrew Conner, formerly of Google. 

Since its inception, Levels has assisted over 60,000 members in improving their metabolic health through real-time blood-sugar monitoring with an optional continuous glucose monitor that syncs to an app. From there, members can discover valuable glucose data and insights into how their lifestyle choices (such as nutrition, sleep and exercise) affect their health.

Levels members can also go beyond glucose readings and get tested for health markers such as HbA1c, fasting insulin, ApoB, triglycerides and uric acid, accessing the results on the app.

Although consumers have become increasingly health conscious, the number of Americans who are metabolically unhealthy is staggering, with more than a third of Americans having prediabetes. While grim, it’s a number that can change, say Levels’ founders.

“Consumers want to take their health into their own hands, and Levels’ expertise, data science, and guidance through the app allows them to see real improvement, whether or not they’re wearing a CGM,” Clemente said. “This is how we start to address metabolic health at scale.”

While having access to comprehensive and personalized health data is key to improving metabolic health, Levels takes it a step further with AI-powered food logging, macro tracking and an accountability feature so users can understand the most optimal choices.

“Simply tracking meals isn’t enough,” Levels CEO Corcos said. “That’s why Levels goes beyond basic food logging to actually show you how these choices affect your health and what you should do to achieve your goals. Our members see results.”

The startup is also conducting a large-scale Institutional Review Board-approved research study to better understand the glucose patterns of people of various ages, genders and races.

“Levels is an immediate answer for the metabolic health crisis, the defining health crisis of our era,” stated Marc Andreessen, Levels investor and co-founder and general partner at a16z. “Both the health of our people and the fiscal solvency of our country are at stake — Levels is a case study of the application of technology to both.”

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