Daily Mango Intake Improves Glycemic and Body Composition Outcomes in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Prediabetes is on the rise and can progress to type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic complications if left untreated. Nutrition plays a critical role in blood glucose regulation, and evaluating the effects of whole foods on indices of glycemic control and body composition within individuals with prediabetes is important. This study examined whether consuming one average fresh mango daily for 24 weeks could improve blood glucose indices and body composition in individuals with prediabetes. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (~300g mango daily for 24 weeks) or a control group (an isocaloric granola bar daily for 24 weeks). Laboratory visits were conducted at baseline and at weeks 6, 12, and 24 to distribute the study regimen and collect anthropometric measurements, body composition data, and blood samples. Results: Twenty-three participants completed the study (treatment: n = 11; control: n = 12). At week 24, the treatment group had lower fasting blood glucose (p < 0.02), improved insulin sensitivity (QUICKI, p = 0.02), and reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.05) compared with the control. Mean HbA₁c remained stable in the treatment group but increased in the control group (p = 0.02). In the treatment group, body fat percentage decreased (p = 0.05) and fat-free mass increased (p < 0.03), with no significant changes in the control group. Conclusions: Daily consumption of mango for 24 weeks enhanced glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in adults with prediabetes, supporting its potential as a practical dietary intervention for metabolic health.