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 the blood glucose indices and body composition in individuals with prediabetes. Methods: The participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (~300 g 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 this study (treatment: n = 11; control: n = 12). At week 24, the treatment group had lower fasting blood glucose (p < 0.02) and improved insulin sensitivity (QUICKI, p = 0.02), and indicated a trend toward lower insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.05) compared with the control. The mean HbA1c remained stable in the treatment group but increased in the control group (p = 0.02). In the treatment group, the body fat percentage showed a borderline decrease (p = 0.05), while the fat-free mass increased (p < 0.03); no significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: The daily consumption of mango for 24 weeks improved the glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in adults with prediabetes, which supports the potential of mango as a practical dietary intervention for metabolic health.