Why a Vegan Diet is a Game-Changer for Diabetes

While carbohydrates and sugars have traditionally received a significant amount of attention in discussions about diabetes, the dangers of saturated fats have gained recognition in recent years. The development of type 2 diabetes is a complex interplay of various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet. Although carbohydrates and sugars, especially excess consumption of highly processed and sugary foods, also play a role in causing diabetes, intake of saturated fats from animal-people meat and dairy foods is an underestimated risk factor for the condition.

In a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, adopting a lifestyle prescription involving a whole food, plant-predominant diet alongside standard medical treatment resulted in pronounced improvements in blood glucose control. Notably, 37% of the individuals achieved complete diabetes remission. This study stands out because it didn't ask participants to cut calories or fast. Instead, the results show a trend towards diabetes remission, not just improvement.

Not just those with type 2 diabetes but also individuals with type 1 diabetes can find relief through a plant-based diet. Researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine tracked two people with type 1 diabetes who both switched to a vegan diet. They found that these individuals experienced notable improvements in insulin sensitivity, a decrease in insulin dosage injections, and enhancements in cardiovascular risk factors. These case studies bring hope for treating the autoimmune disease of type 1 diabetes.

The evidence is clear: adopting a wholesome vegan diet and avoiding unhealthy animal-people meat and dairy products can lead to weight loss and reduced fat accumulation in body cells, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. In addition to helping individuals avoid diabetic risks, natural plant foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and low in fat. This provides protective effects for diabetes control and reduces associated health issues such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular problems, kidney disorders, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).