In March 2019 researchers from Brazil published the results of their study to assess the effect of green bananas, which are composed of resistant starches, on body composition, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance in individuals with pre-diabetes or diabetes type 2 if consumed in addition to their normal treatment. 113 middle-aged individuals of both sexes were divided into two groups, with 62 receiving nutritional support plus green bananas and 51 diet only for a period of 24 weeks. Body composition, biochemical analyses, and dietary intake were assessed both at the beginning and end of the study. Results showed that those individuals receiving nutritional support and green bananas had a reduction in HbA1c, fasting glucose, diastolic blood pressure, body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, fat mass percentage, and an increase in lean mass percentage. The individuals who were on diet alone experienced reductions in waist and hip circumferences, HbA1c and HDL-cholesterol.
Costa ES et al. Beneficial Effects of Green Banana Biomass Consumption in Patients with Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Br J Nutr. 2019 Mar 19:1-38