The BETA study is a 36-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm crossover intervention study conducted at the Quadram Institute Clinical Research Facility (QI CRF), Norwich, UK. Investigators are seeking adults with pre-diabetes, to determine whether broccoli soups affect glucose metabolism, compared to a similar soup containing courgette. There are a total of 9 clinical visits (1 screening visit, 4 short visits, and 4 oral glucose tolerance testing visits). Investigators will assess blood samples for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, fructosamine, cholesterol and triglycerides. Investigators will also quantify the metabolites in urine through analytical analysis and determine whether gene expression is altered by the soups through RNA sequencing. Participants will consume one of two soups (broccoli or courgette) for the first intervention period then after a twelve-week washout phase (soup holiday), participants will crossover and consume the other soup for the second intervention period. For each intervention period, soups will be consumed three times a week per twelve-week period. Investigators will ask the participant to complete lifestyle questionnaires regarding their physical activity and dietary pattern.
Broccoli has shown to normalise elevated blood sugars when eaten over long period of time. Individuals with pre-diabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels. In this study, investigators are trying to understand how broccoli, when eaten as a soup, affects blood sugar levels in individuals with pre-diabetes.