St-Boniface Hospital Research

Completed Studies

Study title: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study to Determine Buckwheat’s Glucose Lowering Effects in Healthy Volunteers and Volunteers with Type 2 Diabetes

Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Zahradka (University of Manitoba, CCARM).

Co-Investigator: Dr. Carla Taylor (University of Manitoba).

Brief Description of Study: This is a single site, double-blind, randomized, controlled study designed to explore buckwheat’s glucose lowering effects in healthy volunteers and volunteers with type 2 diabetes.

Study Population: Healthy volunteers, male and female, aged 18-70 years with no acute or chronic medical conditions. Diet controlled Type 2 diabetic volunteers, male or females, aged 18-70 years, not taking medications that affect glycemic control. No allergies to eggs, buckwheat, rice flour, or sugar substitute (Splenda).

Study Status Recently completed, data currently under review

 Study title: The Effect of Dietary Flaxseed on Improving Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Peripheral Vascular Disease.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Grant Pierce (University of Manitoba, CCARM)

Co-Investigators: Dr. Randy Guzman (Section of Vascular Surgery, St Boniface General Hospital, CCARM). Dr. Peter Zahradka (University of Manitoba, CCARM).

Brief Description of Study: The study examined the ability of dietary flaxseed to reduce clinical symptoms of cardiovascular disease and increase exercise tolerance in patients. Rates of complications of cardiovascular disease such as angina, arrhythmias, stroke and heart attacks will be tracked over the course of the study and compared to rates in patents not ingesting a flaxseed rich diet. Beneficial effects on exercise performance, blood pressure and cholesterol levels will be examined.

Study Population: 250 patients (male and female) with claudication secondary to atherosclerotic arterial disease (peripheral arterial disease).

Study Status Recently completed, data currently under review

 Study title: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study to Examine the Glycemic Response of Barley Tortillas in Healthy Volunteers.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Carla Taylor (University of Manitoba)

Co-Investigators: Dr. Peter Zahradka (University of Manitoba, CCARM) and Dr. Nancy Ames (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Cereal Research Centre)

Brief Description of Study: A single site, double-blind, randomized, controlled study designed to examine the effects of barley tortillas on blood glucose in healthy volunteers.

Study Population: Healthy volunteers (male and female) 18 to 40 years with no chronic or acute medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, or thyroid disease, or require medication for these conditions. No allergies to barley flour.

Study Status: Recently completed, data currently under review

Study title: Exploring the Health Benefits Associated with Daily Pulse Consumption in Individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Zahradka (University of Manitoba, CCARM)

Co-Investigators: Dr. Randy Guzman (Section of Vascular Surgery, St Boniface General Hospital, CCARM). Dr Carla Taylor (University of Manitoba).

Brief Description of Study: Legumes (peas, lentils, etc) have been linked to positive cardiovascular health based on their fibre content and their blood glucose lowering effects. Legume crops also contain chemicals that have been found to positively affect the cardiovascular system. Until now, few in-depth studies have been performed to investigate these claims.   In this study clinical and laboratory tests were used to assess the relationship between the legume diet and changes to blood vessels and their function as they relate to onset of vascular disease. The effects of this diet on the release from fat tissue of hormones shown to prevent atherosclerosis were also examined.