For nearly 100 million adults in the United States living with prediabetes, research into dietary strategies remains ongoing. A recent clinical trial indicates that mango consumption may offer benefits despite the fruit's relatively high natural sugar content.
Tropical fruits typically contain 10 to 50 grams of sugar, with mangos on the higher end. This often leads to the perception that they are unsuitable for those at risk of diabetes. However, research led by Raedeh Basiri, assistant professor in George Mason University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, shows that mangos may provide protective factors for adults with prediabetes.
"It is not just the sugar content that matters, but the overall food context that matters," said Basiri. The study is reported as the first long-term clinical trial to show both metabolic and body composition effects of mango consumption in this group.
Basiri explained that sugars naturally present in fruits are accompanied by fiber, vitamins, and nutrients that alter their impact. Foods with added sugars, such as breakfast cereals or low-sugar snacks, may not deliver the same nutritional profile and can increase diabetes risk. "The goal is to encourage people to include whole fruits, like mango, as part of healthy eating behaviors and practical dietary strategies for diabetes prevention," Basiri added.
In the trial, participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed a fresh mango daily, containing about 32 grams of sugar, while the other ate a low-sugar granola bar with 11 grams of sugar. Over six months, researchers monitored blood glucose levels, insulin response, and body fat.
The findings showed that the mango group demonstrated improved blood glucose control, better insulin sensitivity, and reduced body fat compared with the group consuming the granola bar.
The study, Daily Mango Intake Improves Glycemic and Body Composition Outcomes in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study, was published in Foods in August 2025.
The project was funded by the National Mango Board. The authors reported no other conflicts of interest and stated that the funders had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or publication decisions.
Raedeh Basiri is a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition researcher focusing on prediabetes, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Her work combines randomized controlled trials with large-scale data analysis to assess how dietary patterns affect insulin resistance, glycemic control, and health outcomes.
Source: GMU