A daily serving of avocado and mango may offer significant health benefits for individuals in the pre-diabetes stage, according to a new study. This research highlights the potential of dietary interventions to improve vascular function and blood pressure, which are key factors in preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology investigated the effects of incorporating these two fruits into the diets of 82 participants aged 25 to 60. The study focused on individuals with pre-diabetes – defined as a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL – and who were overweight or obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 25 to 35 kg/m².
Participants were divided into two groups: an avocado-mango consumption group and a control group. Over an eight-week period, the avocado-mango group added one avocado and one cup of mango to their daily diet, consumed with meals and as snacks. The control group consumed a comparable number of calories through carbohydrate-based foods.
All participants were non-smokers and did not follow any specific dietary regimens prior to the study. Individuals with chronic diseases, those following vegetarian diets, anyone with allergies to the study foods, those experiencing significant weight fluctuations (more than 5kg in the past 60 days), individuals with a history of substance abuse, those currently taking medications or supplements that could influence the results, and pregnant or breastfeeding women were excluded from participation.
The study found that participants who consumed avocado and mango for eight weeks experienced a 5.9% to 6.7% increase in ‘flow-mediated dilation’ (FMD). In contrast, the control group saw a decrease in FMD to 4.6%. FMD is a key indicator of endothelial function, and improvements are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.
Among male participants, the consumption of avocado and mango was also linked to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure of approximately 1.9 mmHg. Conversely, diastolic blood pressure increased by 5 mmHg in the male control group. The avocado-mango group exhibited improvements in kidney function indicators, such as glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
These findings, as reported by the researchers, suggest that nutrient-rich fruits like avocado and mango can promote cardiovascular health without causing weight gain. The study underscores the potential for dietary modifications to play a role in managing pre-diabetes and reducing the risk of associated health complications.
The research was also summarized in a report published on March 2, 2026, further highlighting the positive impact of avocado and mango on vascular function and blood pressure in individuals with pre-diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for managing blood sugar levels, and according to experts, consuming around one whole fruit or ¾ to 1 cup of fruit daily is a reasonable approach for individuals with diabetes. The key is to choose fruits with a low glycemic index.
