New Insights into Peanuts' Role in Diabetes Prevention

ALBANY, Ga., Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of National Diabetes Month, The Peanut Institute is highlighting research on peanuts, peanut butter and blood sugar, including a new study that explores a possible link between peanut-induced changes in blood fats and a lower risk for type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a significant health concern in the United States and around the world. In 2023, there were an estimated 40 million Americans with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes, accounting for 12% of the total U.S. population.¹ Of those with diabetes, more than 95% have type 2, which is often preventable.²

"To reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, there are a number of steps people can take, including following a healthy diet, maintaining an appropriate weight and staying active," says Dr. Samara Sterling, a nutrition scientist and research director for The Peanut Institute. "A healthy diet should avoid sugary sodas and refined carbohydrates, like white bread and instant rice, because those are high-glycemic foods that can spike blood sugar and insulin."

Foods that the body digests more slowly release sugar gradually into the bloodstream. Those foods are referred to as low glycemic and can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Peanuts have a low glycemic index of 14, and research over the years has documented their positive impact on diabetes prevention and management.

A study from the University of Barcelona and German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke that was recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, an international, peer-reviewed journal, found that eating peanuts changed the mix of fats and other fat-like substances in the blood.

Those changes were linked to an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Body mass index (BMI) appeared to explain the impact, highlighting the potential role of peanuts in supporting metabolic health. (BMI is one measure for type 2 diabetes risk.³)

"The findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests peanut consumption may offer functional benefits beyond nutritional value," says Sterling. "The study provides new insight into how peanuts may influence the types of lipids circulating in the blood and how those lipids may be related to type 2 diabetes and body weight. While previous studies have identified an association between peanuts and diabetes, less is known about the biological mechanisms that could explain this relationship. Although more research is needed, the findings support the inclusion of peanuts as a source of healthy fats in a daily diet."

In 2019, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shared research that showed when peanut butter was added to a high glycemic index meal the spike in blood glucose was significantly lower than without the peanut butter. The study authors explained that this effect may be due, in part, to the high protein and healthy fat content of peanut butter.⁴

A handful of peanuts or two tablespoons of peanut butter delivers approximately seven grams of plant-based protein – more than any other nut⁵. A serving of peanuts also contains 19 vitamins and minerals, fiber and "good-for-you" monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

In another U.S. study, replacing 5% of daily calories from animal protein with the same amount of calories from plant protein was associated with a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Peanuts and peanut butter were among the plant protein sources studied.⁶

A 2014 study found that daily consumption of peanuts enriched the American Diabetes Association meal plan and improved the intake of heart-healthy fats, vitamin E, niacin and magnesium among participants.⁷

In addition to those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are an estimated 115.2 million adults aged 18 and older who have prediabetes, which is a precursor to diabetes. Prediabetes means their blood sugar is higher than normal and they're at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

To address the condition, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, such as brisk walking. For those who are overweight, losing about 5% to 7% of their body weight, or 10-14 lbs. for a 200 lb. person, can help lower their risk.

For more health news and recipe ideas that incorporate peanuts and peanut butter, visit PeanutInstitute.com. The Peanut Institute also provides news and updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Based in Albany, Ga., The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization supporting nutrition research and developing educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products. The Peanut Institute pursues its mission through research programs, educational initiatives and the promotion of healthful lifestyles to consumers of all ages. As an independent forum, The Peanut Institute is uniquely positioned to work with all segments of the food industry, the research community, academia, consumer organizations and governmental institutions.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report. Updated September 16, 2026. Accessed October 29, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
2. World Health Organization. Diabetes. Published November 14, 2024. Accessed October 30, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
3. Domínguez-López I, Eichelmann F, Parilli-Moser I, et al. Peanuts-derived plasma lipids and lower risk of type 2 diabetes: association mediated by body mass index—an intervention and case-cohort study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2026;124(5):101527. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101527
4. Lilly, L.N., et al., The Effect of Added Peanut Butter on the Glycemic Response to a High–Glycemic Index Meal: A Pilot Study. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2019. 38(4): p. 351-357.
5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2013, USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 26. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl.
6. Malik VS, Li Y, Tobias DK, Pan A, Hu FB. Dietary protein intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in US men and women. Am J Epidemiol. 2016;183(8):715–728. doi:10.1093/aje/kwv268.
7. Wien, M., K. Oda, and J. Sabaté, A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of incorporating peanuts into an American Diabetes Association meal plan on the nutrient profile of the total diet and cardiometabolic parameters of adults with type 2 diabetes. Nutrition journal, 2014. 13: p. 10-10.

SOURCE The Peanut Institute