Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Health Assessment of Low Glycaemic Index - High Protein Rice to Enhance Glycemic Control Through Nutrition
Sponsor: Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), Singapore
Summary
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) represents a critical public health challenge in Singapore, with prevalence projected to reach one million residents by 2050. This epidemic is largely driven by a distinct "Asian phenotype" characterized by reduced insulin secretion capacity even at lower BMIs and a diet heavily centered on high-glycemic index (GI) white rice. While brown rice offers superior nutritional benefits, its global and local adoption remains low due to entrenched cultural preferences, shorter shelf life, and sensory barriers. While the link between high-GI carbohydrates and metabolic dysfunction is well-documented, there is limited clinical evidence on the effects of "functional" white rice varieties specifically those engineered to combine low GI properties with significantly enhanced protein content on long-term glycemic control, metabolic and gut microbiome health in Asian populations. The importance of this research lies in its evaluation of a culturally seamless substitution strategy. By replacing conventional white rice with Low-GI (LGI) and High-Protein Low-GI (LGI-HP) varieties, the HARVEST study addresses the metabolic burden of prediabetes without requiring major behavioral shifts. The findings will provide vital mechanistic insights into glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and microbial dysbiosis, to provide the evidence based for nutritional strategies for T2D prevention and management.
Official title: Health Assessment of Low Glycaemic Index - High Protein Rice to Enhance Glycemic Control Through Nutrition (HARVEST) Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
225
Start Date
2026-08-10
Completion Date
2029-04-30
Last Updated
2026-06-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Functional rice variaties
Single-blinded, 16 week parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 225 participants with prediabetes. Participants are randomized into one of three arms to consume either high glycaemic index rice (HGI), low glycaemic index rice (LGI), or low glycaemic index high protein rice (LGI-HP). In each arm (n = 75), participants will replace their habitual rice consumption with 4 servings (equivalent to approximately 2 bowls or \~400 g of cooked rice) per day of the assigned rice group while keeping other dietary components consistent.